The Nation December 28, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Chelsea hold on to Mikel, Moses

Okorocha attacked me, says senator

SPOR T Page 23 SPORT

NEWS

Page 4

•Eagles stars can’t join team yet

•Govt: she breached security

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2354 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Ibeto Cement imports just 1.5m metric tonnes annually ONTRARY to the claim by the Dangote Group that the nation’s cement market has been flooded with imported products resulting in a glut, the Ibeto Group has stated that there is no way the volume of cement, which is imported by their company, can induce any form of surplus as alleged.

According to Ibeto Group,

C

a glut is an economic phenomenon that results when a market is excessively supplied with a particular product and the first evidence of such a situation is the drastic reduction in the price of the product and this has not been the case of cement, which is still more pricy in Nigeria than any other nation in the world.

The group, in a statement signed by its Executive Direc-

tor of Strategy and Public Affairs, Dr. Ben Aghazu, noted that through a consent judgment entered by the Federal High Court to settle the dispute between the Federal Government and Ibeto Cement Company in Suits Number FHC/ ABJ/CS/400/2006 and FHC/ ABJ/CS/496/2010, Ibeto Cement Company Limited is currently the only authorised importer of bulk cement in the

country.

Explaining how the consent judgment came about, Aghazu said the Federal Government had issued a guarantee to Ibeto Cement Company Limited that the company’s proposed cement bagging plant in Bundu Ama, near Port Harcourt, shall operate for a minimum period of 10 years from inauguration to meet the strict Continued on page 4

•Ex-President Obasanjo’s house...yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

Fire at Obasanjo’s mansion Ten buildings razed in Port Harcourt Tools burnt at Akure FM station

F

IREMEN fought yesterday to save former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Abeokuta hilltop mansion from being razed.

Only a section of the massive building was affected.

But 10 buildings and shops were burnt in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, in another incident in

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta, Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt, Damisi Ojo, Akure and Segun Balogun

what is being referred to as a “Yuletide of fires”.

In Akure, major equipment were destroyed by fire at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)’s Positive FM Station.

On Tuesday, fire from exploding fire crackers razed 12 houses in Ojo Giwa Street, Jankara, Lagos Island.

One person died.

At Obasanjo’s mansion, which overlooks the Presidential Lodge in the Ogun State capital, it was like a scene from an action movie. An evening merriment was abruptly

truncated as panic - stricken members of the former President’s household, including his wife, Bola and daughter, Funke as well as visitors - some of them were foreigners - scampered for safety.

Obasanjo’s grand children were evacuated to a safe place, away from the building. Calls for water, ladder

and fire fighters filled the the air.

Sympathisers who rushed to the scene were momentarily prevented from entering as thick, black smoke billowed into the air from a section of the multimillion naira mansion.

Members of the Nigeria SecuContinued on page 4

•LAGOS FIRE: HOUSES DEMOLISHED P10 •EDO SAFE, SAYS GOVT P59

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

2

NEWS 2012 IN REVIEW

A banner year for Boko Haram, but not for Nigerians

•Scenes of Boko Haram havoc this year

In the outgoing year, Boko Haram, even by official figures, has caused more havoc than ever, killing more than 750 people. It killed 590 in 2011.

I

F the goal is carnage, Boko Haram has had its best year ever. Authorities blame Boko Haram, a homegrown Islamist rebel movement with ties to alQaeda, for more than 750 deaths in 2012. The militants have obliterated churches, schools, government offices, security forces, media houses, market places and communications infrastructure.

Their methods grew more and more gruesome by the year. Early in in the year, coordinated bombings of government and security offices in Kano killed nearly 200 people in a single afternoon. More recently, in Mubi, Adamawa State, militants went door to door, interviewing individuals and executing dozens, who gave the wrong answers. The victims were maily students of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi.

Boko Haram has also stoked ethnic tensions and leveled the economies of several cities. There appears to be no end in sight.

While there are no statistics on emotions, it is safe to say that millions of Nigerians are now living in fear, especially in the North. Taiwo Babatunde, a college lecturer in Damaturu, Yobe State, hit hard by bombings and battles, said residents live by a new set of rules.

“Don’t go out at a particular time.

Don’t go to certain areas. Don’t try to pass on inflammatory statements that might spite them,” he told GlobalPost, referring to Boko Haram, during a visit to Nigeria’s capital.

Formed among the poverty of the North, the sect was originally a nonviolent organisation that rejected Western education. “Boko Haram,” which roughly translates to “books are sinful,” is a local nickname.

Attacks by the sect began in 2009 as sectarian tensions in the North began to flare. After its spiritual leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was killed in police custody that same year, the group’s militant demeanor took hold. It began to call on Nigeria to implement a harsh interpretation of Islamic law.

These days, Boko Haram’s growing clout as a terror group is doing a number on President Goodluck Jonathan’s reputation. Despite his claims that security forces have prevented 70 per cent of planned attacks, his administration is regu-

larly viewed as weak.

For civilians, they only want peace.

Rosemary Ufayo Lawani owns a small grocery store not far from the site of an April bomb attack. She said she’s tired of the constant news of bombings, executions and gunmen firing on civilians. If Boko Haram makes clear and reasonable demands, she said, she would rather the government give in than keep fighting.

“Give it to them, please,” she said.

“Do something because we are losing souls every day.”

While there has been some discussions of peace talks between the government and the sect, they have not gone far. At one point, news of secret talks leaked in the press, prompting Boko Haram to pull out.

Later, the President’s Office confirmed that peace talks were ongoing. But Boko Haram denied it.

Members of Boko Haram, however, exist deep in the shadows.

There is no clear leadership structure, and no pointman for negotiations or communication. The Federal Government, at two different times, claimed to kill Boko Haram’s spokesperson, known as Abu Qaqa.

But there is no way to verify whether Qaqa is even an actual person.

Boko Haram only communicates with the public through YouTube and blocked, one-way e-mails and phone calls with journalists.

The Nigerian government now says no talks will be held until leaders identify themselves.

“You can’t discuss with the air,” said Oronto Douglas, a Senior Special Assistant to the President. “You have to talk with human beings. If members of Boko Haram come out today to say, ‘We are Boko Haram,’ Mr. President will give an audience for a dialogue either directly or through identified committees.”

Clement Nwankwo, the Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Center in Abuja, said he agreed with this sentiment, adding that negotiating with criminals could amount to rewarding the crime.

“I think that if you have a group that is bombing and killing indiscriminately, then I worry (if) you can have a negotiation with that kind of group,” he told GlobalPost.

Nigeria’s security forces, in their

haphazard pursuit of sect members, are exacerbating the problem, activists say.

In a report released early last month , Amnesty International said security forces shoot first and make arrests later, spooking the public

and making it more difficult to gather information on the sect.

The report accused security forces of kidnapping, torture, torching homes and extra-judicial killings.

Spokesman for the Special Task Force (STF) Lt. Col. Sagir Musa re-

ferred to an earlier statement where he denied such accusations.

“Very few cases of unprofessional conduct by some personnel are well documented and those concerned were punished,” the statement read.

For many observers, neither nego-

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

3

NEWS 2012 IN REVIEW

Sect threat harms Cameroon-Nigeria border trade The fear of Boko Haram is leading to higher commodity prices in border towns in Cameroon. Increased security measures are slowing the import of goods from Nigeria

I

N Camerooon, the end of the year is usually marked with eating, dancing and the exchange of gifts. But this time things are different for Cameroonians living near the Nigerian border. The supply of basic commodities has slowed down as a result of strict border surveillance by Cameroonian authorities following reports that Nigerian sect Boko Haram was recruiting new members from northern Cameroon. As a result prices have shot up, some by as much as seventy percent.

“A liter of palm oil used to sell for 1,100 francs ($12.2, 1.7 euros) but now it is 1,400 francs,” one man told DW. For a country where more than half of the population live in poverty (on less than $1.25 a day), the increase in the price of palm oil is staggering.

More than eighty percent of basic commodities are usually imported through Nigeria. Now, as a result of the increased border monitoring, traders no longer have easy access to both countries. Some on the Camerooon side of the border say they are no longer ready to buy from Nigeria.

“Going there means being in danger. You know Boko Haram don’t

know how to distinguish between the persons they want to kill. You can go there and be a victim,” a trader in the border town Limani told DW. To counter the problem, the authorities say they have imported large amounts of food items to meet the needs of the population in areas where shortages are being felt most strongly. According to Minister of Trade Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, the government’s efforts are showing success.

The prices are fair and goods are available on the market, he said.

But the people on the street do not agree. They say that they have to line up for basic commodities because the supply is not enough to satisfy demand. Also, rations are being put in place.

Things don’t look like they will improve soon. Security officials have indicated that they are taking further measures to stop Boko Haram from entering Cameroonian territory.

The Cameroon armed forces are on standby to tackle any external threat with many plain clothes security officials ready to intervene at any moment, said Elokobi Daniel, who heads security at the Ministry of Defence.

•Culled from www.dw.de

Aliyu: insurgents have slowed North’s growth

•Some items recovered from suspected sect members tiations nor military efforts are enough to stop the insurgence.

Nwankwo said as long as the North continues to grow poorer, disaffected youth will continue to lash out, or take jobs as militants because they have nothing else to do.

•Shekau

It is a pattern scene the world over, where al-Qaeda-styled groups often tap into disenfranchised populations to fill ranks.

Not only emulating al-Qaeda, Boko Haram appears to now have operational ties with it. The group

also boasts ties to al Shabab, Africa’s premiere terrorist organisation, and with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

“It seems to be a very well funded operation,” Nwankwo said. “So it seems to me that it has to be some-

IGER State Governor Babangida Aliyu yesterday said the security threat by the Boko Haram group in the northern part of the country had stalled development in the region.

Aliyu spoke during an interactive session with reporters at his residence in Minna.

He said insecurity caused by the sect in the North had made it difficult for investors to invest in the region for fear of losing their investments.

“I am not satisfied with the slow pace of development in the northern region, but under my leadership as chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, we have given the region good leadership.

“Because of the kind of unity, solid decision and encouragement that we have done, if not for security situation that intervened, we will have been what we call a paradise.

“In terms of progress, I am not satisfied with the situation the North is now, because of insecurity slowing down economic activities to the extent that when you invite investors, they are afraid to invest their money for fear of losing their investments,’’ he said.

He said the development of any state in the North depended on how the governor implemented the decisions of the Northern Governors

N

Forum.

“I can only implement the decisions in Niger state and not in other states,’’ he said.

Aliyu, however, said the slow economic activities was not peculiar to the region alone but the country at large as the activities of the group had given the country a negative image abroad.

The National Commandant of the Nigeria Peace Corps, Dr Dickson Akor, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja, urged Heads of government’s security agencies to be more diplomatic in their comments on the activities of Boko Haram and other security challenges facing the nation.

He described as disturbing, some statements emanating from security chiefs on the activities of Boko Haram, insisting that provocative statements from some of them had aggravated the problem.

The commandant said the problem of insecurity in the North had been escalating, in spite of numerous road blocks and heavy presence of security personnel in the affected areas.

He suggested that government should adhere strictly with its decision to enter into negotiation with the leadership of the armed group.

body who has a lot of resources to be able to coordinate and execute this.”

In its latest missive to the world at large, Boko Haram posted a video to YouTube with the title, “Glad Tidings, O’ Soldiers of Allah.”

The man believed to be the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau,

spoke in Arabic on the tape, not his local language.

He said: “Nigeria and other crusaders, meaning America and Britain, should witness, and the Jews of Israel who are killing the Muslims in Palestine should witness that we are with our mujahideen brothers.”

•Culled from Global Post

4

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

NEWS Fire at Obasanjo’s mansion

Okorocha ordered attack on my convoy, says senator •‘She breached security’

S

ENATOR Chris Anyanwu yesterday accused Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha of ordering his security detail to attack her convoy and beat up her security men.

Wednesday’s convoy clash was the height of the personality clash between the two public officials both of whom were elected on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

But Okorocha’s spokesman Ebere Uzoukwa denied the claims by the senator.

He said the senator breached protocol by using a siren, which has been banned in the state.

“The senator’s vehicle suddenly rammed into the governor’s convoy close to the staff car, cutting off the lead security vehicle after overtaking dangerously and in a very suspicious manner,” Uzoukwa said.

But, Senator Anyanwu recounts the incident in Owerri, the Imo State capital. She described the governor’s security men’s action as “frightening” and “brutish”, adding that she had been threatened in the past at several occasions in the state.

Giving a graphic detail of the clash between her convoy and the governor’s security men, Senator Anyanwu said: “My day started around 9.30am when I visited the

Continued on page 4

rity and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), the police, the State Security Service (SSS) and friends of the former President battled to contain the fire from spreading to other parts of the sprawling estate.

The fire started from an electrical spark in Obasanjo’s secretary’s office, it was learnt.

Frantic efforts were made to salvage office furniture from being consumed by the fire, which started around 4:30 pm, barely 20 minutes after the former President left for another country home of his in Ita-Eko in the state capital.

Obasanjo, who spoke to reporters at about 6:40pm, confirmed that it was not the entire house that was on fire, but only a section of it, his secretary’s office.

Decked in a cream attire, Obasanjo hurried back to the Osoba Hill Top to see things for himself. He arrived after the fire had been put off.

In the course of trying to put out the fire, a Civil Defence operative, who was identified as Kunle Famakinwa, had a cut on his index finger and was treated by medics attached to the NSCDC Ambulance marked CD 1041 A01.

Another person said to be one of Obasanjo’s drivers was injured on his foot.

An Ogun State Fire Service truck marked OG 122 AO9, which roared into the compound an hour after the fire started, was joined by another truck 10 minutes later.

The fire destroyed documents, it was gathered.

Obasanjo, in his characteristic humourous nature, spoke in Yoruba, saying “Ile Obasanjo to jo, ewa lo bu si.” ( Obasanjo’s house that got burnt will be more beautiful).

The fire was traced to an electricity power surge in Obasanjo’s private office, which is close to his bedroom.

Security men in the premises promptly raised the alarm and the Fire Service was contacted.

The fire men swiftly responded to the distress call, racing to the scene in two vehicles to quench the fire.

No life was lost, but property was destroyed by the fire.

Unlike Obasanjo, who looked

•Scene of the Edo’s tanker fire...yesterday

pressed joy that no life was lost.

People wailed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, yesterday, as no fewer than 10 buildings and shops were razed by fire.

The incident occurred on Market Road, Rumumasi, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Property worth millions of naira were destroyed, but nobody died.

It was learnt that most of the residents of the affected buildings and shops had travelled for Christmas. Some people were about leaving for their villages for the New Year celebration when the fire started around 2 pm.

Continued on page 63

Soldiers kill five Boko Haram men in Kaduna shoot out

•Houses being demolished at the site of Tuesday’s Lagos fire...yesterday

unruffled, his wife, Bola, was sighted in the premises in company of some grandchildren looking worried.

Early callers include the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, who arrived at 5:50pm.

Others are Senator Dipo Odunjirin, Secretary to the State Government Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, Commissioner for Works, Mr Lekan Adegbite, Deputy Chief of Staff, Ogun State, Mr Shuab Salisu, and former Environment Commissioner Mr Toyin Ojesina.

Odunjirin, who is the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, ex-

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

governor at the Government House on Tuesday to exchange pleasantries and he asked if I had adequate security and I said “yes” after which I left for my home town, Mbaise.”

“When we got to Azara Egbelu, we heard siren coming behind us and when it grew louder, we parked (our vehicles) to allow the convoy way to pass. But, surprisingly, the approaching convoy which comprised of truck loads of armed and stern looking men double crossed us and pulled out two of my drivers dragging them into the bush where they were mercilessly beaten and left with broken skull and bruises.

“When I could not bear it any more, I rushed out of my car barefooted and started shouting: “I am Senator Chris Anynawu please don’t kill my driver, but one of the armed men charged at me and threatened to shoot me for running into the governor’s convoy. All these while, the Governor was seated in his car with the glass wound down and I heard him shout at his security men to disarm my orderlies”.

Mrs. Anywanwu described the Governor’s action as “a misplaced show of power. The power of the state is so enor-

The cause of the fire could not be ascertained immediately, but it was gathered that an explosion from a cooking gas cylinder in one of the buildings aggravated the fire and aiding it to quickly spread to other apartments and shops.

Many of the affected residents, who could not salvage their property, are now homeless. Owners of the burnt shops were also counting their losses. They pleaded with the Obio/Akpor Local Government and Rivers State government to assist them in cushioning the effect.

One of the victims, who simContinued on page 63

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OLLOWING intelligence alert, a detachment of the Army and other security forces yesterday demolished a bomb factory in Kaduna and killed five suspected Boko Haram members during the raid.

Dangerous weapons were retrieved from the factory, which was alleged to be an operational base of the sect in Rigasa in Kaduna North Local Government Area.

Some of the recovered weapons were 20 rolls of bomb detonating cords, Mark 4 rifles, and Pump Action Rifles.

According to the spokesman of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Col. Sani K. Usman, in a statement last night,

•Recover arms From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

the bomb factory was located in a house in Rigasa.

The statement said: “The Army and the security agencies carried out a cordon and search operation at Rigasa in Kaduna North Local Government area and discovered a bomb making factory at a house, which was located off Makarfi Road in Rigasa “On approaching the factory, some suspected terrorists opened fire and also threw already primed IED at the troops.

“The exchange of fire that ensued resulted in the death of Continued on page 63

Ibeto Cement imports just 1.5m metric tonnes annually Continued on page 4

funding requirements of the lending institutions.

The Federal Government had also encouraged the company with appropriate incentives, such as reduced duty on imported equipment and waiver of Value Added Tax (VAT).

“However, in September 2005 a mere three months after our gleaming new plant began operation, the cement cartel, led by Dangote Cement, used its reach in the Federal Government to unjustifiably and unexplainably close down the operation of the Ibeto bagging plant” He said after various efforts of appeal to the Federal Government failed, the company went to court in 2006 to seek justice and the dispute was finally settled out of court after extensive negotiations involving all relevant Federal Ministries and MDAs. “In the judgment order, the Federal Government acknowl-

edged that the Ibeto Cement Company Bagging Plant was unjustifiably closed down. The government also acknowledged the enormous losses suffered by Ibeto Cement Company from the unjustified closure from 2005 to October 2007” Part of the judgment order states that Ibeto Cement Company Limited shall be allowed to import 1.5 million tonnes of bulk cement per annum for the period from October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2017 in line with the Federal Government guarantee conveyed in the Ministry of Industry letters, reference HMSI/EXT/CORR/ VOL.X/350 of 5th June, 2002 and HMSI/EXT.CORR/ VOL.XII/127 of November 29, 2002.

With this judgment making Ibeto Group the sole importer of cement into the country for the specified period, the company argued that 1.5 million tonnes, which is less than five

per cent of the annual cement supply to the Nigerian market cannot create a glut.

Aghazu decried moves to get the Federal Government to, in effect, invalidate the essence of the court order that authorise Ibeto Cement to import this small amount of cement until September 30, 2017, by raising the duty and other taxes on imported cement so as to make the imported cement more expensive than Dangote cement.

“We do not believe that the Federal Government should be misled into doing this because doing so will go against the spirit of the out-of-court settlement agreement between the Federal Government and Ibeto Cement, especially since Ibeto Cement as stated, is currently the sole importer of cement” Ibeto accused Dangote of trying to dominate the Southsouth market through its proposed cement plant to be built in the zone.

It also decried attempts to get the Federal Government to ban the

importation of clinker or in the alternative, drastically increase the duties and taxes on clinker imports so as to rattle and destabilise a cement manufacturer in that area.

Aghazu also flayed the announcement of the closure of Benue Cement Company (BCC) on account of the ‘phantom’ glut, describing it as dishonest and false.

“Time and unfolding events will show that Dangote Group is being economical with the truth in this assertion. We have it on good authority that the Dangote plant in Gboko (BCC) is programmed to shut down for turnaround maintenance only and will resume production when the maintenance has been completed”.

He noted that the bulk cement imported, bagged and sold by Ibeto Cement Company Limited is different from the cement made by Dangote Cement Company Plc. “Ours is rapid hardening or-

dinary Portland cement used by our construction companies and not Portland limestone cement used primarily in residential buildings. These facts are wellknown to and acknowledged by Dangote Group. Thus, strictly speaking, Ibeto cement and Dangote cement, being different and also made for different purposes, should not really be competing” He then urged Dangote Group to accept reduced profits by lowering the selling price of their cement, a move that will be applauded by the consumers.

He also urged them to explore the export option which it has so eloquently campaigned to have capacity to carry out.

“The Dangote Group has been crowing about its plan to export cement from Nigeria. We urge them to start their export business forthwith. If there is problem with the competitiveness of their made-in-Nigeria cement in foreign markets, we urge them to please take a close look at

their components of the costs of goods sold.”

Describing Dangote Group’s monopolistic tendencies, Aghazu said based on published reports, Dangote Group occupies the first position in the market share of several essential commodites .

He said a Dangote report published in 2006 showed that Dangote holds 81 per cent of the Nigerian sugar market, 40 percent of the cement market; 33 per cent of flour; 54 per cent of pasta and 72 per cent of salt.

Continued on page 63

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

5

NEWS

Gunmen kill four in Plateau

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HE peace enjoyed by the indigenes and residents of Plateau State during and after the Christmas was disrupted yesterday when gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen sneaked into Bachit village in Riyom Local Government and killed three people, leaving others injured.

Information received also showed that a retired soldier living in Rim village in the local government was also

killed in his home on Christmas day by people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

The men, said to be more than 10, arrived Bachit village in the early hours of yesterday and forcefully entered a house, shooting a man and his wife at close range in their sleep.

When trying to escape, a man, who was said to have seen them leaving, was also killed. As they left the village, they shot at random,

during which stray bullets hit some people and others were attacked with machetes. Some of the injured are currently receiving treatment at the Vom Christian Hospital.

A lawmaker representing Riyom Constituency, Mr. Daniel Dem, said the mode of the killings was not different from the previous ones, adding that those behind the act were the same people that have been attack-

ing the local government.

He appealed for calm and enjoined the people to be more vigilant, adding that they should not only rely on the security men posted to the area to guarantee their safety.

Police spokesman Abuh Emmanuel could not be reached for confirmation, but information gathered indicated that the incident is being investigated to arrest the culprits.

NDLEA uncovers three drug factories

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HE Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, has raised the alarm over the health and security implications of the illegal Methamphetamine production in the country.

Three Methamphetamine production factories have been discovered in Lagos and Anambra states. Besides, a suspected Colombian drug kingpin, who specialises in Methamphetamine production, has been arrested.

Giade, who described the development as sad and worrisome, said: “Our investigation has shown that the Colombian Methamphetamine production expert, Gonzelo Osorio aka Fabian Arcila and Baez Benitez Milan were invited to establish three clandestine laboratories on a $38,000 weekly contract. This is sad and worrisome. It’s a call on stakeholders to pay

attention to this dangerous twist in our nation’s drug trade.”

Narcotic investigators have arrested seven members of the criminal gang who are helping in further investigation. They are Gonzelo Osorio, Gabriel Onyebuchi Obi, Anthony Ebi, Olisa Cyprian Onyebuchukwu, Mickey Ezeokoli, Solomon Ogbonna and Chidi Alexandra Efeagwazi.

Twelve vehicles belonging to suspected members of the cartel have been confiscated.

NDLEA has traced four houses to the criminal group.

The undercover operation that led to the crackdown on the criminal gang began in November last year when Osorio was contracted by a Nigerian drug syndicate to establish three Methamphetamine production laboratories in different parts of the country. According to Giade, the operation is one of the best coordinated in terms of

duration, expertise and professionalism.

He said the first clandestine laboratory Osorio established was situated at Majek in Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Another one was located at Nanka in Nnewi area of Anambra State. Members of the criminal gang were about establishing the third laboratory when they were apprehended by NDLEA officers.

Giade said: “Osorio left the country in December last year and returned on May 30 with a false identity as a citizen of Paraguay with the name, Baez Benitez Milan, on his travel documents. He is regarded as a Methamphetamine production expert in the country and was hired on $38,000 weekly by the drug cartel.”

The NDLEA boss said when the operation was ongoing, a suspect was apprehended in Lagos for using his home for the production of

•Giade

Methamphetamine.

“Concerted efforts of stakeholders are required. The suspects involved in the criminal act are either ignorant of the lethal health consequences of their actions or have been blinded by their selfish interests. Methamphetamine production endangers public health. More worrisome is the security implication due to the huge profit involved,” he added.

•Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State (left), receiving the “Do the Right Thing” plaque from the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri (right), while the Katsina State Director of NOA, Alhaji Armayau Liti Rimaye, watched during a polio enlightenment campaign in the state recently.

Two still missing two days after canoe accident

T

WO people are still missing two days after the canoe in which they were travelling capsized on Christmas day in Tohon, a community in Badary Local Government, Lagos State.

The missing two, an aged woman who had her grandchild strapped to her back, and a young man, were with two other people in the canoe when it capsized in the middle of the river around 9pm.

They were said to be travelling from Tohon to Vewhe, Ipokia in Ogun State to attend a naming ceremony.

The man, who paddled the canoe, identified as Peter and a female passenger survived.

Efforts by local divers led to the recovery of the body of the child early on Wednesday.

It was found floating close to the foot of the Tohon river jetty.

Also recovered was a motorcycle, with which the missing man conveyed the missing woman and the child to the jetty before they boarded the boat. They were said to also be travelling with the motorcycle in the canoe.

The Baale of Tohon, Chief

By Eric Ikhilae

Jimoh Wusu, who confirmed the incident, said the victims have not been identified.

He said they were not members of his community, adding that they passed through the place to link their destination.

It was learnt that Peter, who is currently being detained at the Badagry Police Station, was reluctant in going on the journey.

He was said to have expressed fear over his ability to navigate the water that was covered by weeds.

It was learnt that two officials of the Marine Police were at the Tohon jetty between 12 noon and 1pm on Wednesday.

Eyewitness told The Nation that though they had come to help search for the missing passengers, they left moments later, complaining that their operation would be hindered by the weeds on the water.

A police officer, who pleaded for anonymity, confirmed Peter’s arrest and detention.

He said he was being held, pending the completion of investigation.

Fasehun calls for community ODUA Peoples Conpolicing gress (OPC) Found-

O

er, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, yesterday called for an enquiry into the security vote spending by governors, alleging that they have converted the cash to their personal use.

He said budgeting high sums for security vote has increased corruption, adding that the money is not used for the provision of security.

Fasehun, who spoke on the state of the nation in Lagos, called for community policing.

He recalled that security at the grassroots was efficient when traditional rulers and community leaders were involved in the arrangement.

He said it was lamentable that the government had not recognised OPC as a nongovernment outfit capable of assisting Southwest states with information on security.

Dr. Fasehun urged Nigerians to ask questions on how security vote is being spent.

Said he: “Governors have turned security votes into pocket money, except in Lagos State.”

According to him, obstacles have been put in the path of OPC in its determi-

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

nation to boost security in the neighbourhood.

Fasehun added: “Security is the duty of all. OPC is not a registered organisation and we will not make attempts to register it. We carry out our responsibilities as citizens living in the community. Many people are ready to assist with information. But it is when the police turn our information against us that we turn back.”

The OPC leader said crimes have increased because “they have backbones”, adding that kidnapping has become a lucrative business for unscrupulous elements.

He said leaders are promoting corruption by stalling the outcome of probes.

Fasehun said the onus is on President Goodluck Jonathan to transform Nigeria in 2013, adding that the first step is the organising of a national conference to discuss the country’s problems.

He noted that the politicians putting obstacles in the way of the national dialogue were postponing the evil day.

Minister, NIS boss at war over alleged recruitment scandal

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OLLOWING the embargo on the alleged controversial recruitment at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), its Comptroller-General, Mrs. Rose Uzoma, yesterday said the minister can only cancel the recruitment if it has begun.

Mrs. Uzoma, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during an on-the-spot check, denied what she described as an allegation.

She said NIS has not re-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

cruited anybody as being rumoured, adding that though the exercise would soon begin, no appointment letter has been issued to anybody.

The NIS boss went on: “I want to put it on record that the Nigeria Immigration Service has not recruited anybody. The exercise is just about to begin. No appointment letter has been given any Nigerian. It’s a lie that

we have been recruiting people. We are still working out the modalities and procedures for recruitment.

We only got approval for the exercise two weeks ago.

So, how could I have been recruiting for months as being alleged?

“It’s true that we have been making efforts to recruit more hands because we need more personnel at the borders. We don’t have enough officials to guard these areas. We’ve been asking the government to give

us more hands. The Head of Service has just acceded to our request to recruit.”

The Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, through his Special Assistant on Media, George Udoh, on Tuesday issued a statement cancelling the controversial recruitment said to have been going on in the NIS. The statement reads:” Comrade Moro directed further that all appointment letters issued and documentations carried out stand

cancelled, until the Civil Defence, Immigration and Prisons Service Board meet to consider the waivers granted the Nigeria Immigration Service to recruit men and women.

“Finally, the minister has also directed that forthwith, recruitment into the Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Prisons Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is suspended until a transparent exercise, based on established

guidelines, is put in place.”

Reacting to the Minister of Interior’s directive, Mrs. Uzoma said: “You can’t stop what has not even started.

I’m yet to meet the minister. I only read it in the newspapers. I will discuss with him. We have not begun recruitment, so you can’t cancel what has not even started.”

The NIS ComptrollerGeneral assured Nigerians that they would be informed when the recruitment begins.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

6

NEWS Jonathan slammed for justifying slow govt HE Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has slammed President Goodluck Jonathan for justifying his slow style of government.

Reacting to the speech of the President at a Christmas service in Abuja that his administration appeared slow because it did not want to make mistakes, the Executive Chairman of the coalition, Mr. Debo Adeniran, noted that the slow pace shows that President Jonathan lacks the ability and will power to lead Nigeria to the promised land.

He said: “President Jonathan has shown that he does not possess the ability to move this nation forward. How many years does he need to achieve his transformation agenda?

He was the Vice President, became the Acting President before he became the President, yet he still needs more time not to make mistake. President Jonathan has been in power for close to a decade. He has the luxury of time to learn what he ought to then. It is, however, unfortunate that our President only learns what he wants to and retains what he wants to. If not, the nation would not have been in this mess.

“Jonathan’s case should teach every Nigerian a lesson not to vote a candidate with no manifesto into power. When he said he would not promise Nigerians anything, we never knew he was that clueless. He is always moving from one excuse to another to justify his ineptitude and that of his cabinet members.

“He claimed they are taking things slow not to make mistake, but juxtaposing that with the rate of looting in his tenure, one would be amazed. This is a President under whose tenure the nation was defrauded to the tune of over N5 trillion. It means his government is quick to steal and slow to transform the nation for the better. It is unfortunate that the President has negated the confidence reposed in him by Nigerians.”

Comrade Adeniran urged President Jonathan to transform the nation and curb the corruption characterising his administration, which has made Nigeria a laughing stock among the comity of nations.

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•The late Gen Andrew Azazi’s widow, Alero (right) and the children at a service for the late General at the Church of Assumption Catholic Church, Ikoyi, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

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Sowole buried amid tears

HE remains of Navy Lt. David Adeyemi Olukayode Sowole, 30, the copilot of the helicopter that crashed at Okoroba, Bayelsa State on December 15, were buried yesterday at 11.43 am in Lagos amid tears.

Hundreds of relations, friends and sympathisers, who held back tears during the commendation service at St. Andrew’s Protestants Church, Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, betrayed emotions and shed tears as the body of the naval officer was committed to mother earth, notwithstanding that the lead officiating minister, Rev. J.O. Alade, had admonished them against crying.

The ceremonious inter-

By Adebisi Onanuga

ment, done in the naval tradition, took place at the Nigerian Army Cantonment Cemetery, Ojo, Lagos.

The funeral was preceded by the presentation of “the most important accomplishment” of the deceased, comprising a Nigerian flag, a cap and a pair of white boots, which were handed over to his next of kin and daughter, nine- month old Teniola, through her mother, Eniola, by Rear Admiral S.E. Ogoige.

It was followed by three gun salute taken by seven naval officers at the grave side.

In a condolence message sent to Eniola and other members of the Sowole family, read by Ogoige, the Chief of Naval Staff,

Rear Admiral Dele Ezeoba said the death of the deceased was tragic.

Admiral Ezeoba said Sowole, during his life, was known for his hard work, intelligence and dedication to duty.

“While we in the Nigerian Navy mourn a good officer, we are consoled that he devoted his life to the service of the nation and humanity.

“On behalf of the Nigerian Navy, I sympathised with the wife and family. We pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased and pray God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

The commendation service, which had in attendance top echelon of the Nigerian Navy,

including Rear Admirals A.O.A. Ikioda and S.E Ogoigi, lasted about 30 minutes, from 10.20 am when the body was brought into the church till 10.48 am when the service ended.

Venerable B.A. Olaniyi read the Bible passage taken from Revelation Chapter 20 Verse 7 to 15. Rev. (Lt. Cdr.) H. Musa gave the sermon.

Reading from Corinthians, Chapter 1, verses 3 and 4, Rev. Musa said he had a three-point message to be delivered to the wife of the deceased, Eniola, the Navy family, the nation as a whole and the political class.

He said God told him to inform the family that He is the only one who can comfort them.

Fuel queues lengthen in Lagos

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

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ESPITE restoration of the Line 2B pipeline, a major product distribution pipeline last month, which was vandalised at Arepo in Ogun State, fuel shortage continued in Lagos yesterday.

The situation has remained worse since the Yuletide when many vehicles were on the road to convey people travelling to various parts of the country for celebration. The glimpse of hope raised by the reparation of the Arepo pipeline was dashed with the vandalism and explosion of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline at Ije-dodo in Ijegun, Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State last week.

A monitoring of filling stations in Lagos yesterday showed that more filling stations are getting dry and the few that opened had very long queues.

Some retail outlets that were selling collected extra money from the customers. Fuel attendants that were courteous in their approach would casually tell the customer: “N200 after selling to you, do I continue?” Some collect theirs before selling to the customer.

Our correspondent, who monitored filling stations in Ikeja and Lagos Island, including Victoria Island and some suburbs of Lagos such as IyanaIpaja, discovered that few filling stations in the metropolis were selling, with many marketers claiming lack of supply for closure of their stations. The retail outlets in the suburbs sold above the pump price of N97 per litre.

Some were selling at N110 per litre.

Army defends retirement of Generals From: Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HE Nigerian Army (NA) has denied any wrongdoing in its latest round of retirement that affected 51 senior officers.

It has also declared that notwithstanding the end of Christmas festivities, soldiers deployed across the country for cordon and search operations on major roads would not be recalled until directives from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Goodluck Jonathan, to that effect.

The retirement affected erstwhile Corps Commander, Infantry Corps and Centre (ICC), Jaji, Major General Mohammed Isa and 11 others in the rank of Major General.

Twenty-five Brigadier Generals and 12 Colonels were also affected. Eighteen were compulsorily retired by the Army Council.

Making the clarifications yesterday at a news briefing at the Army Headquarters, the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brigadier General Mobolaji Koleoso, who spoke against the backdrop of insinuations of victimisation of certain affected officers, said in line with military procedure, the affected officers were notified six months before the due date.

He said: “The administration of the NA as in any organisation is governed by rules and regulations. All the 51 officers retired have been notified earlier in the year of their retirement and most of them had voluntarily written regarding same.

“Subsequently, the Army Council approved their retirement from service having attained the mandatory age ceiling for each rank.”

According to the Army spokesman, who noted that the exercise should not be viewed with ethnic and religious sentiments, it was procedural that whenever an officer in the rank of Colonel attained the age of 52, if he was not promoted to the next rank before the ex months of notice elapsed, he should be ready go to.

He said it was the same for a Brigadier General, adding that he must be retired at the age of 54 and a Major General at the age of 56 if they were not promoted to the next rank.

“In a situation whereby the affected officer failed to write for voluntary retirement within the six months for whatever reason, the Army Council would then convert it to compulsory retirement.

“It does not end there though, because the officer can still write to the Army Council why he could not respond before the six month period and if the reasons were accepted, then the Council can covert it to voluntary retirement,” the DAPR said.

He said the inclusion of the the erstwhile Corps Commander, Infantry Corps and Centre (ICC), Jaji, Major General Mohammed Isa, in the exercise should not be seen as different from the norm.

He said: “His inclusion has nothing to do with the report of the board of inquiry into the Jaji bombings. Though the report has been completed, it has not been deliberated on and it is after this that a White Paper will follow and it will be made available to you”.

Saying that none of the affected senior officers could have been involved in what he described as a campaign of calumny against the Army, Koleoso advised any aggrieved person to seek redress through due process.

“I urge anybody aggrieved over the decision of the Army Council to take advantage of the relevant provisions in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Services Officers, 2012 to appeal to the C-in-C through the Chief of Defence Staff and stop banking on ethnic and religious sentiments to pursue personal ambitions,” he added.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

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NEWS

Free oxygen for patients in LAUTECH hospital •Aregbesola: health care critical to growth

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has ordered the management of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital to provide free oxygen to emergency patients.

He said oxygen must be available in the hospital always.

Aregbesola spoke while inaugurating the oxygen gas production building and equipment; the endoscopy/pharmacy/amenity building; and the drug production facility at the hospital.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to providing quality health care, he said

the projects would enhance the hospital’s performance.

The governor said the hospital is gradually being upgraded to forestall avoidable deaths.

He said: “Our goal is to enhance the hospital’s capacity to train high quality medical manpower to save lives, even in conditions that seem impossible.

“I am sure you know that the Western world and their scientists are more concerned with diseases that are prevalent in their societies. We only benefit where there is confluence of interest.

“The onus is on us to make breakthroughs in diseases that

•Aregbesola (middle); Fadiora(left); Vice-Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin (second right); Chief Ayo Opadotun (second left) and the Head of Oxygen Gas Production, Mr. Taye Oladunjoye...yesterday.

are common to our people. We are counting on you to do this.”

Aregbesola said the quality of health care available to a people determines their productivity.

He said the owner states, Oyo and Osun, have resolved to build the hospital into a world-class institution and

urged doctors and other health workers to make the dream a reality.

The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olufemi Fadiora, hailed the efforts of the owner states in improving the institution.

Fadiora said if the institution is adequately equipped, people would not have to

seek medical treatment abroad.

Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), LAUTECH, Mr. S. O. Ibitoye praised Aregbesola and his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, for “rescuing the hospital from total collapse, which was caused by

the needless muscle flexing by the past administration in Oyo State over its ownership”.

Ibitoye thanked them for the prompt payment of workers’ salary.

Aregbesola and Ajimobi were honoured with the Ambassador, Democrat and Excellence Award by the union.

‘Bitter politics over in Ekiti’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Dr. Peter Obafemi, has said the party would contest the 2014 elections in Ekiti.

He said reconciliation moves were ongoing to enhance the party’s chances in the election.

Obafemi, an indigene of Ikole-Ekiti, spoke in the town when he declared his intention to contest the election.

He donated computer sets, printing machines and cash gifts to the party secretariat in the local government.

Obafemi said: “The purpose of politics is development and to contest is to decide to be useful for the community and its people. The age of unreason in politics is gone and what we are witnessing today is politics of development and logic.

“Issues about elections and vying for political power should not occasion enmity because the power to choose representatives resides with the people.

“If the people have the final say, why then must contestants bicker and employ all sorts of uncivil means to outdo one another. There is also the aspect of God in it all. Can anyone emerge victorious if God has not ordained and sanctified him or her?”

Olubolade: Jonathan is pillar of democracy

•Ekiti State Commissioner for Education and President of the Christ's School Alumni Association (1975-1980 set), Dr. Eniola Ajayi (second right) presenting a Coaster bus donated by the association to the Headteacher of Christ’s Boy’s School, Ado-Ekiti, Prince Wole Akinyede (left) and the Headteacher of Christ's Girls’ School, Ado-Ekiti, Mrs. Idowu Ogunrinde. With them is the association’s Secretary, Very Rev. Olumuyiwa Awe...on Wednesday.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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INISTER of Police Affairs Caleb Olubolade has described President Goodluck Jonathan as the “pillar of democracy” in Nigeria.

Olubolade spoke in his Ipoti-Ekiti country home at an end-of-year party he organised for members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said: “The Jonathan factor resonates through whatever has been recorded as success as far as this democracy and political lease is concerned.

“Is it not an achievement that this democracy has remained despite the many challenges? What about the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in some states since he came into office?

“Crisis caused by ill-conducted elections was a regular occurrence before the advent of the Jonathan administration, but the President’s rare patriotism has surmounted all hurdles.

“The credibility of the electoral process has attracted candidates with unimpeachable credentials to politics.

President Jonathan has successfully redesigned politics in Nigeria. When the leader gets it right and the people support him, it will be easy for him to carry out his policies and transformation agenda in any sector.

“With credible elections, Nigerians are now very enthusiastic to perform their civic responsibilities of voting and being voted for during any election.”

On the PDP’s chances in the 2014 governorship election, Olubolade said: “I believe the PDP can return to power in 2014, if members place the party’s interests above personal interests.”

•Widow of Navy Lt. Adeyemi Olukayode Sowole, Eniola (third left); his younger brother, Owolabi (first left); his daughter, Teniola (in the arms of a relation) and others at the Nigerian Army Cantonment Cemetery, Ojo, during the burial of the co-pilot of the ill-fated helicopter that crashed on December 15.

Oyo police arrest couple over Rotimi’s wife’s kidnap

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HE Oyo State Police Command has arrested a Lagosbased couple in connection with the 10 abduction of Mrs. Titilayo Rotimi, wife of the former Military Administrator of the old Western State, Brig. Gen. Oluwole Rotimi (rtd.).

Mrs. Rotimi travelled abroad after she was released by her captors.

The police said ongoing investigation into her abduction led to the arrest of the couple.

The suspects are been detained at the command headquarters

in Iyaganku, Ibadan, the state capital.

Police spokesman Ayodele Lanade said: “The suspects are still being investigated at the Iyaganku Division. If after investigation, they are found not to be culpable, they will be released.

“Irrespective of the fact that Mrs. Rotimi has been released, our investigations will still continue.”

Ten of Mrs. Rotimi’s workers were initially arrested, but were later released because there was no evidence linking them to the abduction.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

8

NEWS Teachers to get better allowances

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HE Ogun State Government plans to review upwardly the recently increased allowance of teachers in rural areas.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun broke the news at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the state capital, at the first Award/Gala Night, organised by the State Teaching Service Commission.

Amosun was honoured with the “Best Teachers’ Friendly Governor Award”.

The best headteacher, the best teacher and the best non-teaching staff were also honoured.

During the 2012 World Teachers’ Day, the governor increased the rural allowance of teachers by 50 per cent.

Assuring the teachers of a conducive working environment and improved welfare package, the governor said they would soon be paid their 13th month salary.

He said the government would continue to reward excellence to drive performance in all human endeavours.

Describing teaching as “the mother of all professions”, Amosun urged teachers to be role models.

•Amosun

He said: “Teaching is the mother of all professions.

Teachers are role models, who have learnt the skills of impacting knowledge into others.

They are nation builders because no nation can develop economically and technologically without teachers.”

Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission Ms Olubukunola Onabanjo said the awards were to celebrate those who worked tirelessly to meet and sustain the “Ogun-Standard”.

On her commission’s achievements this year, she said the administration renovated schools, trained and re-trained teaching and non-teaching workers, improved supervision of schools and revamped the education sector.

Suspected oil bunkerers held in Ondo

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TRUCK loaded with 33,000 litres of adulterated diesel and two cars conveying 4,000 litres of the same product have been impounded by men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State.

The drivers of the vehicles - Bashiru Koko, Mohammed Danliti and Useni Mohammed, were arrested.

The command’s spokesman, Mr. Balogun Kayode, said the suspects were arrested near the toll gate on the Ore-Lagos expressway. Kayode said the truck is marked, XB 6038 BGD; the Volvo, FF 129 AAA and the Toyota Carina, BE 399 KSF. He said the suspects would soon be arraigned.

Nine persons die in Osun car crash N INE people died yesterday in an accident on the Gbongan-Ife Road. Eleven persons were injured.

The accident occurred opposite Gbongan Community High School in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State around 1:30pm.

It involved a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus,

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

marked XA 477 MAP and a Man Diesel Truck, marked XA 585 ALK. The body parts of some of the victims were dismembered.

Sector Commander of the

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osun State Command, Mr. Imoh Etuk confirmed the accident.

Etuk said: “Preliminary investigation showed that the accident was caused by over speeding. Twenty people were involved in the accident.

They include 12 females, five males, and three children. Six women, two men and a child died in the accident.”

Falana backs NBA on referendum

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CTIVIST lawyer and former President of the West African Bar Association (WABA) Femi Falana (SAN) has backed the call by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) for a referendum as a fundamental part of the ongoing efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution.

He said the referendum will enable Nigerians contribute to the amendment.

Falana, who declined an invitation to serve as an alternate chairman on the NBA Judiciary Committee, called for the full democratisation of the NBA. In a memo to NBA President Okey Wali, on December13, Falana said: “I thank you and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NBA for appointing me as an alternate chair-

.Activist seeks democratisation of the Bar

By John Unachukwu

man of the Judiciary Committee of the NBA. “Regrettably, I am unable to take up the appointment due to the reasons which will become clear anon.

“Permit me to join the NEC in supporting your suggestion that the ongoing review of the Nigerian Constitution by the National Assembly be subjected to a referendum, so as to have the input and imprimatur of the Nigerians.

“Your timely suggestion cannot be faulted as it accords with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the participation of the people in their government.

“However, the NBA leadership, which is campaigning for popu-

lar participation in the politics of the country has been accused of hypocrisy for excluding many lawyers from the meetings of its NEC as observers, or from participating in the Annual General Conference on account of their inability to pay prohibitive registration fees.

“The NBA leadership has also been accused of appointing the same set of lawyers into all statutory bodies in which the NBA is represented.

“For instance, positions in the National Judicial Council (NJC), Council of Legal Education, Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) and Body of Benchers are reserved for serving NBA President, past NBA Presidents and a selected Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).”

Akure residents defy ban on fireworks

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ESIDENTS of Akure, the Ondo State capital, have defied the ban on fireworks during the Yuletide.

In a statement, police spokesman Adeniran Aremu urged parents to check the activities of their children.

He said criminals may take advantage of the use of fireworks to perpetrate crime.

Adeniran explained that the use of fireworks can cause fire and lead to the death of hypertensive patients.

He said the law banning the use of fireworks is still in force and anyone caught flouting it would be sanctioned.

Osun inaugurates school uniforms

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola will today inaugurate the much-expected Osun School Uniforms, tagged O’Uniform.

The inauguration will hold at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Ede. The Aregbesola administration introduced the free school uniform for pupils in public primary and secondary schools.

The uniforms are in different designs for elementary, junior and high model schools.

About 3,000 local tailors were engaged to sew the uniforms.

In a statement the governor’s media aide, Semiu Okanlawon, said the fabrics for the uniforms were produced locally.

THE NATION FRIDAY DECEMBER 28, 2012

9

NEWS

Dialogue with Boko Haram not foreclosed, says Presidency •Okupe reviews govt activities in outgoing year

By Adeniyi Adesina

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HE Government has not foreclosed dialogue with Boko Haram, the Presidency said yesterday.

“Dialogue will eventually find a way to end this issue,” Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs Dr. Doyin Okupe said in Lagos yesterday.

He said government will be willing to talk with the group if they present a faces adding that it’s not for government to organise the group which he said remains amorphous.

President Goodluck Jonathan, during the last presidential media chat, said the government refrained from accepting talks offer because Boko Haram is “faceless.”

Okupe urged elders “who are more concerned” about the activities of the group like former Yobe State Governor, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, who insists that dialogue is the only solution, to take the initiative and get back to the government.

The presidential aide, who reviewed the activities of the government in the outgoing year, returned a verdict of good performance

by President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Nigeria never had a President who was better prepared at the time he got into office like Jonathan.

The president is eminently qualified for the job. He will fix Nigeria,” he added.

Okupe said the government’s investment in hi-tech security equipment had brought Boko Haram down on its knees, thereby reducing the insurgency by the sect.

Displaying a chart on the attacks carried out by the sect since January, he said the activities of the sect had reduced from February when it carried out nine attacks –the highest – to four in November.

Okupe said in frustration, the sect had been attacking telecom masts after discovering that 70 per cent of its activities were stopped before they are carried out.

The presidential aide said Jonathan had transformed the agriculture sector significantly to the extent that “Nigeria’s self sufficiency in rice production is threatening the world order in food production” He said with Nigeria on the road to total self-sufficiency in rice production, 780,000 jobs are to be created in the agriculture sector next year through the Young Graduates Commercial Farmers Scheme, with the prospect of four million jobs overall if each of the beneficiaries employ at least one person.

The Nigeria Agricultural Bank is to be recapitalised to make affordable loans available to small scale farmers directly.

Okupe said despite the impression created in some quarters by “cynics and pessimists”, the outgoing year is not a year of gloom and

doom but rather one of phenomenal achievements “Our economy is getting better. At the end of the second quarter, the economy recorded an impressive growth of 6.28 per cent compared to 5.4 per cent forecast for sub-Saharan Africa.

Nigeria is the prime destination for investors in Africa and has attracted a sum of about nine billion dollars in foreign direct investment in one year.

“There are also improvements in other macroeconomic indicators. Our foreign reserves now stand at US$45.68 billion – the highest it has been in over two years,” Okupe said.

Giving a breakdown of achievements in some key sectors of the economy Okupe said the Jonathan administration has been able to achieve improved power supply with power generation hitting an all-time high of 4,502 megawatts, the highest since 1999 “With the projected generation of a minimum of 7,000 megawatts by the middle of 2013 as well as the effective privatisation of the distribution and generation subsectors and the commercialisation of the transmission arm of the Nigerian power sector; economic activities are bound to receive significant boost in the coming year,” Okupe said.

Speaking on agriculture transformation, he said: “In the year under review, 14 new rice mills with capacity to process 240 metric tons of rice were set up by the private sector while in addition, $1.2 billion was secured by the Federal Government to install 100 large scale rice processing mills to produce 2.1 million metric tons of rice annually.

“Today, Nigeria has reached an unprecedented 60 per cent sufficiency in rice production, a feat, which the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) recently described as capable of raising world rice output to a record high in the next 12 next months.

“By the year 2014, Nigeria’s 167 million population will feed on rice grown and processed locally as we would have attained 100 per cent self-sufficiency in rice production like we just did in the production of cement,” he said.

“The administration at the end of 2011 earmarked 22 airports for rehabilitation and reconstruction and

by the end of October this year, over 50 per cent had been inaugurated for public use with. The remaining eleven would be completed in 2013. In addition to remodeling, government will also in early 2013 begin the construction of five new airport terminals in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Enugu as well as six cargo terminals to be managed under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Scheme,” Okupe said.

In the transport sector, he said giant strides had been recorded particularly in rail transportation. “Nigerians witnessed the inauguration of the Lagos-Kano train service, which had been moribund for almost a decade. Other milestones recorded in this sector include the ongoing rehabilitation of the Eastern rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri as well as the fixing of the Zaria/Kaura Namoda rail route. The Abuja to Kaduna 187 kilometre rail line is about 30 per cent completed.

By March 2013, the Ajaokuta-Warri Standard Gauge Rail line will be completed. This will provide a less than four-hour journey between the Middlebelt and the South South. The LagosIbadan new gauge rail line, which was also initiated earlier in the year, is on course.

Okupe said: “The radical intervention by the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme SURE-P in the road sector in 2012 resulted in accelerated work on the rehabilitation of the following projects: Abuja-Abaji-Lokoja; BeninOre-Sagamu dual carriageway; Onitsha-Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway; Kaduna-Maiduguri dual carriageway; East-West Road and the two kilometre Second Niger Bridge for which a sum of five billion naira has been set aside.

These roads cover a distance of 1,664 kilometres and are at various stages of completion. Most of these projects are due for completion and commissioning in 2013.

“As a major turnaround the Federal Government also terminated the concessioning agreement with Bi Courtney Company on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the LagosIbadan expressway. The road rehabilitation work is currently been handled by two construction firms and will be completed in early 2013.”

Thanksgiving service for Madam Omatseye at 70

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ADAM Salome Ometemevo Omatseye, mother of the Chairman of The Nation Editorial Board, Mr. Sam Omatseye, will mark her 70th Birthday with a thanksgiving service at the God’s Kingdom Society, Shogunle, Lagos, on Sunday.

She turned 70 on Wednesday.

“I am grateful that the Almighty God has kept her

•Madam Omatseye

in vibrant health all these years,” remarked Omatseye.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

10

NEWS JANKARA FIREWORKS EXPLOSION

•A relative of the teenager who died in the explosion, being consoled by a police officer as the corpse was being carried away...yesterday

•Buildings reduced to rubble...yesterday

•L-R: Officer in Charge, Mr. Abayomi Whesu; Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe; Commissioner for Home Affairs & Culture Oyinlomo Danmole and House of Representatives Member Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, at the scene...yesterday.

•Firecrackers on display in two bowls... yesterday

•Fire fighters and NEMA officials supervising the demolition of affected buildings...yesterday.

PHOTOS. MUYIWA HASSAN

‘We’re still weeping over destruction of property’

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TILL writhing in pains on their hospital beds, some victims of Wednesday’s fireworks explosion at Jankara market, Lagos Island yesterday called for the help of the government.

They said the bills are too high for them to shoulder alone.

At the Island General Hospital, to where no fewer than 30 injured persons were referred for medical attention, some of the victims were yet to get attention.

One of them, who identified himself as Jimoh Ahmed, was allegedly discharged with an uncompleted Plaster of Paris (POP) on his injured legs.

It was alleged that Ahmed was hurriedly discharged because of his inability to foot his hospital bill.

Ahmed, who is a children’s bicycle trader, told The Nation he was brought to the hospital at about 3pm on Wednesday but he was not attentded to untill about 10pm.

He said: “When I was brought in, the nurses said doctors were not around and it was about 10pm that they finally attended to me and put POP on one of my legs.

“Along the line, they said they don’t have enough materials to complete the PoP and that I still need to do another xray.

“Since, I did not have the money, they asked me to go and come back in two weeks time or when I have the money.

“I am still here because I am waiting for my family to look for the money for me to complete the x-rays.”

A relative to one of the victims, who gave his name as Munsodiq, said they were disappointed at the treatment they were subjected to by the authorities.

He said: “They treated us as though we were not Nigerians.

“Look at my brother, we are still weeping over the destruction of our property, as if that is not enough, the hospital officials refused to attend to him, if we did not pay for his treatment.

“Did we plan for this disaster to befall us? Is it not the responsibility of the government, both federal and state, to provide healthcare for the citizens?

“Was it not the same government

•Victims of explosion seek financial help Lagos Assembly plans review of law on fireworks DISTURBED by the havoc wreaked by the Boxing Day firecracker explosions in Central Lagos, the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday mandated its legal department to look into the laws controlling the importation and use of fireworks into the country.

The review is to curb the indiscriminate use and storage of firecrackers in its domain.

This decision was reached at the resumed plenary session yesterday, after the member representing Lagos Island Constituency 2, Hakeem Masha, raised the issue of the fire outbreak that occurred at Oroyiyin/Jankara area of Lagos Island under Matter of Urgent Public Importance.

The early morning fire left at least one person dead, many injured and properties worth several millions of naira destroyed.

Masha, who said the fire outbreak as a resulted from indiscriminate use and storage of fireworks, noted that Wednesday’s incident was disastrous and tragic.

The lawmaker urged the House to look at the laws on the use of fireworks, insisting that people now use and store firecrackers indiscriminately, a practice he blamed for the disaster.

Masha said: “We use fireworks indiscriminately in this part of the world and the way we store them is also not proper.

“I want to suggest that henceforth, those that will be involved in the importation of fireworks to acquire licence

By Segun Balogun and Precious Igbonwelundu

that allowed the importers of these firecrackers that has caused us so much pain in this festive period?

“All they did was to rush him to the hospital and abandon us here, not even considering whether we have money or not.

“See the number of people here.

Everybody is running up and down to pay hospital bills for their loved ones else they will be thrown out of the hospital as though they’re less humans.”

There were restrictions on the movement of people into the casualty and emergency wards of the hospital, even as the hospital personnel declined to comment on the reason why the doors were shut.

By Oziegbe Okoeki

to that effect, so that when a thing like this happens, we will know who to hold responsible.”

Masha’s colleague from Lagos Island I, Wahab Alawiye-King, recalled that fireworks were used during the opening and closing ceremony of the just concluded Sports Festival held in Lagos without any incident.

He described as wrong the way residents use fireworks.

Alawiye-King urged the House to make a law that will curb the indiscriminate use and storage of fireworks, adding that nowadays. “It is difficult to differentiate between the sound of a firecrackers and a bomb,” said He said the trend is dangerous to security in the Centre of Excellence.

The member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency II, Ipoola Omisore, also urged the House to put a law in place that will prohibit erecting shops and warehouses in the same place with residential apartments.

House Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, however, called on all Lagosians, particularly shop owners, to desist from storing explosives at home “and those who deal in this kind of business should not stockpile them where people are residing.

“We also urge the legal department of this House to help us look at the law that has to do with fireworks, so that we can look at working on the indiscriminate use.

Traders, who lost goods to the inferno, counted their losses yesterday. They insisted there was more to the cause of the explosion than knockouts.

Those who spoke, urged the state government to carry out thorough investigation even as they alleged that some of the explosives had two wires inside.

Obinna Okoro, whose shop was partially affected, led The Nation to a spot at Oroyinyin Street, about 50 metres away from the scene of explosion to buttress his point that there was more to the explosion.

He said: “Look at the impact of that explosion; see this pillar; it is about 100kg; it came from that building, you can see the distance and it created this hole here.

“Before the pillar dug the hole, it damaged the windscreen of the bus (pointing at the bus). Another of such pillar fell on the next street.

“So, you people should not be deceived that these were just firecrackers. Knockouts cannot create this kind of impact and from some of the particles we have seen, some of those explosives have two wires inside.

“The government knows what to do, they should not wait to be told their job. A thorough investigation should be carried out. And those responsible should be arrested and prosecuted.

“I am lucky that my goods were not burnt, otherswise, I woulldn’t be here saying all these things. It is a very shocking experience and honestly, it is time

we started doing things right in this country.”

Another trader, simply identified as Ugo and as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Godswill International, lamented the loss of five of his shops to the disaster.

Ugo was overheard brooding on telephone in Igbo dialect as he narrated his frustration.

He said: “I don’t know where to start.

Five of my shops are all gone. Not even a pin was recovered from anyone of them. I had to run back to Lagos when I heard of the incident. In fact, I am speechless.”

When approached for comments, Ugo said: “Please, I don’t want to talk about this issue. I will go mad if I recount the way I feel right now. “I am grieved and will like to do so quietly. We do not have a government that cares about the welfare of its citizens. So, I don’t think there is anything they will do to help my situation. Let me just grieve in silence.”

The owner of 41, Ojogiwa Street, Alhaji Monsuru Mohammed, said he built the house three years ago. The building, razed by the Boxing Day fire, was pulled down yesterday.

Alhaji Monsuru said: “The building was built about three years and four months ago, it’s worth more than N10 million.

“We are not aware that such explosives are stored in there. Since this incident happened, I’ve been trying to meet the importer of the explosive materials it because this is not the first time his wares would wreak havoc.

“About eight years ago, a similar incident happened at Idumagbo Avenue, caused by firecrackers imported by this same man.

“He has his main office on Oroyinyin Street. But this particular one is strange. It is not a firecracker; it is a bomb device – dynamite.

“According to the man, the device is meant for quarry purposes. He has been importing it for years. Anytime he is bringing the goods, he comes with mobile police. So, who will challenge them?

“I am not sure the government will Continued on page 60

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Risk management could entail avoiding the risk completely, reducing the negative impact of the risk through risk mitigation actions, transfering or sharing the risks with other parties and retaining the risk; ie, accepting some or all the consequences of the risk and budgeting for it.

- Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, CBN Governor

Gas export group collaborate on price

FAAN pleads with passengers over baggage

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HE 13-member Gas Ex porting Countries Fo rum (GECF) have agreed to work together to achieve a “fair price,” the group’s Secretary-General Leonid Bokhanovsky has said.

“Once the majority of gas exporters agree and commit on uniform behaviours in the market, we could be expecting desirable decisions to be made and effective actions to be taken which is in line with the objectives of the forum,” Bokhanovsky, said in an e-mail, on the fourth anniversary of the group.

He said GECF has been less effective than the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which meets twice yearly to tweak crude-oil output quotas with the aim of influencing prices, and has been in existence since 1960.

GECF’s members, who hold almost 60 per cent of the world’s gas reserves, said at a summit in November 2011 that they should cooperate to raise prices and boost supply, yet they disagree on how that can be achieved, he lamented.

Qatar’s Emir, Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, said at a summit earlier that the group shouldn’t try to limit output, while Iran’s Oil Minister, Rostam Qasemi called for the group to develop a “market management plan.”

The majority of gas is sold in long-term contracts tied to oil and is expensive to transport, making the market for the fuel more regional than crude, which is mainly bought and sold on the spot market.

GECF members defended oil-linked contracts at their most recent meeting in Equatorial Guinea on November 21.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -11.7% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $43.5b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

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• Leader of delegation, Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation(PCFRR), Mr Tony Elumelu with Baby Ebube, born during the last flood in Oguta, Imo State, during the Committee’s visit to the community for the donation of relief materials to the victims in Owerri.

Citigroup, five others fined $4.48m over bond lobbying costs

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ITIGROUP Incorpo rated is among five firms that will pay $4.48 million to settle regulatory claims they used funds from municipal and state bond deals to pay lobbyists.

Underwriters that fund bond-authorisation campaigns and then collect fees from approved debt sales are among unresolved pay-toplay issues in the $3.7 trillion municipal market.

Hiring an underwriter based on whether it supports a campaign rather than its ability to market bonds can lead to mispricing, which can hurt investors, as well as higher fees and borrowing costs.

“The script remains the same,” said Marilyn Cohen, founder of Envision Capital Management Inc. in Los Angeles, which oversees about $210 million of munis.

“I’m not surprised; my sur-

prise is that they found it.

That’s just the cost of doing business. It’s all pay-toplay.”

The banks, also including Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) and Morgan Stanley, agreed to pay $3.35 million in fines and reimburse certain California bond issuers $1.13 million, according to the statement. Citigroup’s $1.28 million in sanctions were the largest, followed by Merrill’s $1.07 million.

The five banks violated the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s fair-dealing and supervisory rules, according to the statement. The Alexandria, Virginia-based MSRB, a self- regulatory body that sets guidelines for the muni market, has banned would-be underwriters from giving to most campaigns for elected officials who could influence the award of bond sales.

Making such contributions is more widespread among smaller underwriters, according to disclosure filings with the rulemaking board.

Banks have been divided over whether they should be allowed to support drives in favor of referendums authorising debt issues that they later underwrite. Some say it creates the appearance of undue influence, while others say it merely helps issuers win the votes and finance needed projects.

The lobbying payments that resulted in today’s sanctions spanned 2006 through 2010, according to Finra. The companies didn’t admit or deny wrongdoing.

Goldman Sachs “discontinued the longstanding industrywide practice of seeking reimbursement for such fees” in California last year, the bank said in a statement. It also refunded the lobby-group fees that had been charged on state-

level issuances in which the firm was lead underwriter.

Morgan Stanley (MS) is “pleased to have resolved this issue in a satisfactory manner,”Mark Lake, a spokesman for the New Yorkbased company, said in an semailed statement. Spokesmen for New York-based Citigroup and Charlotte, North Carolina-based Bank of America also said the firms were pleased to resolve the issue. A spokesman for New York-based JPMorgan didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

“Issuers are entitled to know what they are paying for and why,” Brad Bennett, Finra’s chief of enforcement, said in the statement. “It was unfair for these underwriters to pass along the costs of their Cal PSA membership to the municipal and state bond taxpayers, neglecting to disclose that these costs were unrelated to the bond deals.”

‘Nigeria can become Africa’s e-commerce hub’ I F the Federal Govern ment puts the necessary infrastructure in place, Nigeria could become Africa’s e-commerce hub, an online marketing specialist, has said.

Managing Director/ Chief Executive, sunglasses.com.ng, said with the potential in terms of demographics and Internet dynamics, the government could power Nigeria to become the African hub for e-commerce, adding that the push has the potential to boost employment and generate revenue.

Allowing the benefits of technology start-ups in the country to permeate the industry will definitely attract foreign investment and will help Nigerian and interna-

By Lucas Ajanaku

tional entrepreneurs to grow and create successful companies.

“Also facilitating fast, reliable and affordable internet to Nigerians will help boost e-commerce, and this, the Federal Government is trying to do through various initiatives by the Ministry of Communication Technology and other agencies, such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency of Nigeria (NITDA) and others,” he said.

Hr said in the UK, e-com-

merce accounts for about 10 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), translating to $200 billion, adding that by 2016, it is expected to contribute more than construction, healthcare and the education sectors to the economy.

“UK has 52 million internet users, while Nigeria has 48 million, and most likely, Nigeria will surpass UK in terms of the number of internet users by the end of 2013. That means a lot in terms of potential contributions to the economy. This underscores the potential Nigeria has and where it could be heading to in few years time,” he said.

He explained that lack of

• Minister of Science and Communication, Omobola Johnson

awareness and distrust are some of the challenges confronting operators in the segment. “That is why we allow customers to pay on delivery. Nigerians are afraid of being duped,” he added.

HE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday appealed to the inbound passengers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, who have difficulties reclaiming their baggage to be patient, saying it is trying to solve the problem.

Its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr Yakubu Dati, who said the conveyor belts had been malfunctioning in the past few days, attributed this to the ongoing remodelling at the airport.

He assured that on completion of the exercise, passengers would not have problems.

He said: ”Yes, there was a breakdown recently and we have rectified it. We have equally told the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company of Nigeria (NAHCo) Plc to move people to the DWing incase of a breakdown.

Machines will always be machines and they can breakdown at anytime, but whenever this happens, we try to rectify it immediately.”

Passengers arriving the country had gone through some harrowing experiences at the arrival hall of the terminal sometime last week when they could not reclaim their checked-in luggage at the baggage reclaim area due to faulty conveyor belts.

Abuja low cost estate ready From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

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WNERS of a low cost hosing estate known as Open Freedom Housing Estate in Kuje, Abuja have been handed the keys to their houses.

The project, which is one of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative of government in mass housing delivery in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was started three years ago.

So far, only 60 units of the proposed 300 units have been completed and ready to be handed over to their new owners. The estate is a fully serviced with water, light, street lighting, paved roads with drainage and landscaping.

Speaking to reporters at the handing over in Abuja, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Opinior Engineering company limited, (the developers) Muftau Salau said the estate would be completed in phases.

He, however, said if the government could keep to its words of opening the estate in the first quarter of 2013, the company would complete the estate in the same year.

Other challenges militating against the fast completion of the estate, he said, is the sourcing of funds from commercial banks and the difficulty of selling off molested buildings.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

FACILITY

PROCESS

SCHOLARSHIP

Amosun Kicks off N200m micro-credit scheme

Elechi urges improved public procurement

Reward for grooming kids

Ogun

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Ebonyi

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

Lagos

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Senator’s N45m boosts jobs scheme in Osun

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•Senator Omoworare

OUTH employment efforts in Osun State have got a boost from Senator Babajide Omoworare, representing Osun East Senatorial District.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s jobs schemes are helping to keep youths off the streets, providing them with incomes to pay their bills.

Senator Omoworare helped the governor’s plans when he distributed items worth N45m to unemployed youth in the state.

By Medinat Kanabe

Omoworare said he donated the jobs tools, including buses, power generating sets, milling machines, amongst others, not only to help people to fend for themselves and their families but also to keep the youths from taking to anti-social and criminal activities. He said that leaving ablebodied youths without employment is tantamount to sitting on

a keg of gunpowder.

Speaking at the event, Omoworare noted that the lasting solution to poverty and unemployment crises in Nigeria is provision of sound and qualitative education, adding that individuals, corporate organisations and government must create provide jobs in order to douse growing tensions.

“It is part of our efforts to create palliative measures, which was why we decided to distrib-

ute these items to our young men and women so that they can be busy pending the time the bigger opportunities will evolve,” he said.

The senator said this at IjebuJesa in Oriade Local Government Area of the state while presenting the items which included 11 buses, 48 motorcycles, 200 power generating sets, 200 fans, and 48 grinding ma•Continued on Page 49

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HE Yuletide brought good tidings for the poor and people with disability in Imo State. Governor Rochas Okorocha mobilised support for them, raising N50m in cash, houses, cars and other gifts.

The occasion was the Imo Day but Okorocha ensured it was not merely another day of routine festivities or speechmaking.

The governor made it a day to take care of people who cannot take care of themselves.

The disabled who thronged the Heroes’ Square, venue of the celebration, were stunned by the rare show of love and magnanimity by the Owelle and top officials of the state government, who donated generously to put a smile on the faces of the poor and needy in the state.

A total of N50 million cash was donated by the Governor Expanded Executive Council including other gift items ranging from cars, food items and cloths.

The cash and gift items were instantly distributed to the beneficiaries who were drawn from the state’s 27 local government areas under the strict supervision of the governor.

Making his donation, Okorocha, who was the chief launcher, drew a standing ovation from the ecstatic crowd, when he announced that his 19 months’ salary totaling N25.6 million will go to the needy. His Deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso, also made a cash donation of N5m.

Okorocha explained that the gesture is aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the poor and the less-privileged in the society and also to show love and care to them during the Yuletide season.

He explained that Imo Foundation is conceived and established to reach out to the poor and create hope for the lessprivileged, adding that several lives have been saved in the past by the Foundation since its inception.

•The beneficiaries

New deal for the needy in Imo Okorocha mobilises N50m, cars, houses From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

Also in a show of rare magnanimity, top government functionaries, organisations and groups donated generously. Many of the government officials equally pledged to build over 100 units of two-bedroom flats for indigent persons across the 27 local govern-

ment areas of the state.

Relief equally came the way of two indigent persons with kidney problems and other ailments as former Senator representing Orlu Senatorial District, Senator Osita Izunaso and Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Samuel Ohiri, promised to sponsor their medical treatment overseas.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof. Anthony Awuka and Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Soronnadi Njoku donated their fairly used V-Boot Mercedes Benz car and Land Rover SUV respectively.

The wife of the governor, Mrs Nkechi Rochas Okorocha, who is •Continued on Page 49

•Governor Okorocha

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

14

Elechi urges improved public procurement E

NDE trains 3,000 women, youths

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• From left: Ex-Director KIND , Amy Oyekunle; Kemi Ogunleye, Ore Somolu, founder Women Tech; Chisom Nbonu of Super Sports and Gloria Igebu, Programme Coordinator , Idea Builders during the 2012 Women Symposium at the University of Lagos PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Five cottage industries for Imo

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HE Senator representing Imo East, Sen. Chris Anyanwu, has said that all is now set for the building of five cottage industries in the state to reduce unemployment.

Speaking at an interactive forum with youths from the state in Owerri this week, Anyanwu said unemployment had made most youths to channel their energy into wasteful ventures like kidnapping, armed robbery, killings and other ills.

She noted that with the cottage industries, the youths would be trained in various skills to enable them to be self-employed and employ others.

Anyanwu added that plans were also underway to build seven civic and skills acquisition centres to tackle unemployment.

According to her, two of the cottage industries are already on ground while the other three will be on course by 2013.

“The state is now noted for kidnapping and other societal ills which do not make for good reputation and development. Unemployment is one of the causes and we need to tackle it headlong.

Imo

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Akwa Ibom remaining 50 per cent reserved for youths.

The coordinator gave assurance that the directorate would be fair in making sure that participants were drawn evenly from all the local government areas.

Osunkwo also disclosed that the directorate had trained more than 2,500 youths and women on skills such as welding and fabrication, plumbing, catering, hairdressing, computer operation, and GSM, repairs among other.

She advised the youths, women and vulnerable groups to avail themselves of the opportunity offered by Federal Government to acquire skills and become relevant in the society.

By Olalekan Ayeni

Ayeni promised free vocational training by 2013 for any interested person and not peculiar to his church members “Infact, I knew what is poverty some years back when I was living irrelevant life, eating un-worthy foods, I was unable to pay for a single room apartment as a tenant for more than 11 months before God lifted me up from the odd condition when my life was touched.”

The cleric, therefore, urged the co-church founders to shun ostentatious living such as building mansions while the worshippers can’t afford to pay for single rooms, establishingexpensive schools that masses can’t afford and using expensive cars while members are suffering.

He also appealed to government and our leaders to look after the masses by creating jobs, assisting the needy to reduce crime in the country.

EMBER representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chukwuemeke Nwogbo has distributed items worth several millions of naira to widows, youths and women in the area.

The various items Nwogbo distributed at a constituency/ town hall meeting held at the

• From left: Award recipient and General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) Mr. Babatunde Edu; Public Relations Officer, LASTMA, Mrs Bola Ajao and National Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Mechanical Engineers Mr. Ayo Fanmokun, at the conferment of Fellowship and merit awards by the institution in Lagos PHOTTO: BOLA OMILABU

‘Support private security operatives’

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HE Federal Government has been urged to support private security agents to curb industrial and domestic insecurity in the country.

This call was made by the Chief Executive Officer of Kings Guards, Mr Sam Olaniran, a security outfit in Lagos during the companies 20th anniversary celebration in Lagos.

He stressed that the industry is facing a lot of challenge because the government did not support it and that the level of security awareness of Nigerians is also a challenge.

“The low level of security awareness of Nigerians is a big threat to security; people don’t take security serious; government is not according enough recognition to the security companies in the country,” he said.

Speaking on how his company has been assisting the security of the country, Olaniran stated that his company has been very proactive in the discharge of its duties to their various clients in the country.

“We are very proactive in tackling security breaches in the country. At Kings Guards, we pride ourselves to be in the business of safety, where security of life and property is more proac-

By Amidu Arije

tive, geared towards prevention of crime and more collaborative with our customers,” he said.

He said the company is rebranding at 20 to provide more proactive security and safety to its numerous customers.

“Our rebranding is not just a logo change; it is an affirmation of a new culture of more dedication to our core values of excellence, quality and credibility. It is another way of re-establishing our brand as the first to come to mind whenever and wherever private security is the topic,” he said.

Olanioran advised that the government should sensitise the country’s security operatives to achieve success in the fight against crime as he said this had helped his company to flourish in the years past.

“Our security personnel are well sensitised, there is access to control, we train our security operatives and give them information about bombs and other important security issues. This is what has kept us going, if the government can do this, there will be security of life and property in the country,” he said.

Residents condemn police activities

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• Chairman, Ikeja Local Government Hon. Wale Odunlami with a baby during the National Immunisation Plus Days Programme (NIPDS) in the council

ESIDENTS of Ikotun and Isheri Oshun in Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area have cried out to the Lagos State government to come to prevail on policemen from the Isheri Oshun Police Station to stop making movements difficult for them. The residents disclosed that the policemen carry out incessant arrests of motorcycles plying some rural roads that are not among those under the restricted areas by the Ministry of Transportation.

Speaking to Newsextra, one of the residents and former Travel Manager Daily Times of Nigeria Mr Sunday Ekong said the activities of the men of Nigeria Police Force from Isheri Oshun Police Station have made movement in and out of these areas difficult for residents.

•Governor Akpabio

Lawmaker empowers women, widows, others M

“Twenty thirteen will be a continuation of what has been started in 2012. We can curb the issue of unemployment by teaching the people skills. If we have more Nigerians producing something, the state will be better for it,” she said.

The senator, therefore, urged the youths to ensure they stay safe and not engage in activities that would get them into trouble.

She advised that they should not allow themselves to be used by others to do things that are not in the interest of the larger society.

The state’s All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Youth Leader, Mr Emma Nwankwo, on behalf of the youths, praised the senator for her contributions to the development of the state, especially the zone.

Nwankwo pledged the unalloyed support of the youth to the senator, the state government and to be law abiding while going about their businesses.

Cleric empowers less privileged O FEWER than 30 poor people smiled home lastweek at Pray Through Church, Toll Gate, Ogun State as the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Taiwo Ayeni donated various items to them. The beneficiaries were widows, the physically challenged and the aged.

The coordinator said the programme started three years ago and it had touched many lives.

Speaking at his office 1, Jesuoseun Close, Toll Gate, Ogun State, Pastor Ayeni said he organised the programme because he has the spirit of giving, as the scripture says “whoever gives shall also receive”.

He added that programme served as a thanksgiving on marvelous things God had done in his life.

Onways to sustain the programme, the Pastor said: “supports are coming from friends and individual who also assist the needy .” He vowed to continue the programme as long as he lives.

HE National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Akwa Ibom has begun the training of 3,000 women and youths under the Federal Government Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).

The state Coordinator of the directorate, Mrs Patience Osunkwo, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Uyo,the state capital.

Osunkwo said that the Federal Government designed programme would create employment and reduce poverty among women and youths in the state.

She said participants would be engaged in various skill training, rehabilitation works and community services, adding that each participant would be placed on a monthly stipend of N10, 000.

“Akwa Ibom state has commenced the immediate implementation of the SURE-P programme of the Federal Government.

“We have commenced the sensitisation in the 31 local government areas of the state to enable us recruit 3,000 women, youths and vulnerable persons into the community services under the SURE-P,’’ she said.

She said that 30 per cent of the participants were reserved for women while 20 per cent was for persons physically challenged and the

He said: “These policemen are cashing in on the Lagos State government’s restriction of okada operators from some major roads to short-change the unsuspecting and unenlightened motorcycle operators.

“We believe that the road linking the lowcost housing estate leading to Jakande Estate gate in Oke-Afa through Isheri Oshun with Ijegun is not among the roads from which okada operators and tricycles are restricted from plying. “Unfortunately, the policemen impound their motorcycles and tricycles on a daily basis.

These innocent and unsuspecting commuters and operators of these okada are forced to cough out the sum of N5, 000 before their motorcycles are released to them.

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From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

Capital City Primary School, Awka included 34 pieces of tricycles known as Keke Napep, six wheel chairs and several walking sticks, 20 sewing machines, 30 pieces of corona grinding machines, 160 bags of rice, 1000 pieces of unbranded wrappers and undisclosed amount of cash.

Nwogbo, who is also chairman, Justice Committee of the House of Representatives explained that the occasion served as a gathering point to meet and interact with the electorate from his constituency.

“This meeting is a feed back to my constituency, to tell them what I have done and what I intend to do in the future,” he said promising that he will do more to assist the citizens at the grassroots level.

“I believe in strengthening APGA at ward levels. I hope the money would assist in running administration costs, organising meetings and transportation fares, etc, all is to assist in moving Anambra State forward”.

He informed that he had executed some projects including completion and donation of classroom blocks for Capital City Secondary School , Awka, provision of 14 hand pump boreholes to various communities, rural electrification of Urum, Amanuke and AwbaOfemili, etc, in addition to rehabilitation of Nkwo Amenyi market.

He further said that he had rendered services such as paying schools fees for over 50 students in both secondary and tertiary institutions and has equally assisted in provision of jobs for graduates in various ministries, departments and agencies.

Nwogbo identified the major challenges facing the constituency to include incidents of erosion and flooding which he described as a menace to their environment and electricity supply which according to him, has hampered industrial development in the area.

Briefly

BONYI State Governor Martin Elechi has called for improved public procurement modalities to ensure the durability of equipment and other facilities.

Elechi made the call in Abakaliki while inspecting damage on some parts of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Abakaliki, complex, gutted by fire.

The fire completely burnt the NTA studio, the Master Control Room and some equipment worth millions of naira.

The governor expressed sympathy with the management and staff of the organisation over the incident and described it as tragic.

He noted that although the real cause of the incident had not been ascertained, the presumed cause of faulty electrical wiring could have been avoided through proper procurement processes.

“We hope that relevant NTA authorities will carry out thorough investigation on the incident to avert a recurrence.

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EQUEL to restoration of peace between Nestoil Plc and Abuloma people in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, the company has donated 14 blocks of shops to the women of the community.

Speaking in Abuloma, Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the shops which cost about N16 million, the Executive Director of Nestoil, Mr Kingsley Akuma, expressed joy that the strained relationship between his company and the community has been mended.

Akuma said while the dispute lasted, Nestoil looked forward to a day when the two parties would come together in unity and mutual respect for one another.

Ebonyi “However, the state government is ready to assist the organisation.

“Even though NTA is a Federal Government-owned establishment, it serves our people directly, so, we have to assist it in its time of need,’’ the governor said.

He advised the management of the organisation to clear all bushes around the premises to check any incidence of bush fire, especially with the coming of the harmattan season.

The authority’s General Manager, Mrs Nkechi Odukwu, thanked the governor for the visit, saying it had strengthened the management.

Firm donates shops to community Rivers From Clarice Azuatalam, Port harcourt

“Today”, he said “is that day on which both parties have come with one understanding to share love together.”

The Nestoil boss praised the community for consenting to the acquisition of land which made it possible for a durable relationship to be created between the company and the people as well as for exploring dialogue to resolve the dispute as stated in the

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) binding them.

While stressing that the shops are purely for business and not for residential purposes, Akuma also informed the women that “a tenancy agreement will be executed to guide the relationship commencing today.”

In his speech, the Chairman of Abuloma Council of Chiefs/Joint Council, Chief Promise Gein, praised Nestoil for improving the standard of living of residents of the community.

Gein, who enumerated what the community had gained from Nestoil since it began operations in the community, also used the opportunity to ask for more projects as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

The requests are: a community town hall with ICT facilities; a coaster Hiace bus; street light along the jetty road to enhance security and barbwire fencing of the community’s religious ancestral burial ground.

Replying, the Group Managing Director of Nestoil, Mr Keith Jones promised that “the company will come somewhere near to your request,” adding that he has enjoyed staying in Abuloma since two years when he came in.

Also speaking, the Woman Leader of the community, Mrs Dorothy Tamuno, commended the company for providing the shops, noting that “it is another new beginning of joy for the women and the company.”

End of year prayer

•Akuma inaugurating the shops

Igbo Cultural Day Youths hold ‘walk for life’programme FLUCTUATION of prices of goods in market have been attributed to unstable economic situation in the country.

This disclosure was made by Chief Modestus Umenzekwe, an industrialist, at the Anambra Cultural Day Celebration in Lagos.

Modestus, who is the Managing Director of Hamack Nigeria Limited, also spoke on the recent flood which ravaged Anambra State He praised the efforts of the government so far but appealed for special assistance to the people of Achina, who according to him, are going through a very hard time because of massive destruction of lives and property.

“The flood has sent the people away from their ancestral home”, he said.

Anambra Cultural Day is a day set aside for indigenes of the state to showcase their cultural endowment. The event could be celebrated anywhere considered fit.

Modestus, who has won many awards on account of his contribution to community development and the society at large also spoke on commercial motorcycles ban in Lagos.

“The government is not totally wrong. We have to accept it because it is for our own interest. But government could have provided an alternative,”he said.

He thanked Lagos State Governor Raji Fashola (SAN) for recognising the Igbo in Lagos, saying: “We are happy and grateful”.

•Elechi She said: “The fire was presumed to have been caused by faulty electrical wiring.

“However, we will do all we can to forge ahead.’’

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N the bid to promote healthy life style and foster love, oneness and peace , the duo of DJ Jimmy Jatt and ‘I’m a born champion’, General Pype led 10,000 youths in a “Walk for Life” initiative in Lagos.

The youth moved out enmasse as early as 7.00am for the walk amidst other musical stars that took part in the exercise which turned fun from Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

Some notable celebrities at the at the programme which turned to a musical show include: The Ninja crew led by Sound Sultan and Baba Dee, Yinka Davies, Vector, Ade Bantu, Nature, M-Smooth, Ivory. Other upcoming artistes also showcased their talent to canvass oneness among the youth of the area.

President Eti-Osa Youth Development Initiative, Ayodeji Lawrence, said the walk is a kick- off initiative of a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) in the making that will promote the cause of youths in the Lagos Island.

He added that ‘The Walk’ has the support of government and will definitely be an annual event .We have the support of the Ikoyi Obalende LCDA Chairman who has provided us with ambulance bus, the Police Command gave us officers that provided security and

THE Altar of Prayer Church of God (Assembly of Deliverance and Power) will hold a prayer programme tagged: Pray into 2013 on Monday, December 31, from 10pm to 3am. Its end of year thanksgiving service will be conducted the previous day from 7am to 11am and the first Sunday Special Deliverance service on January 6.

Speaking to journalists on the programme, the chief host, Pastor Kayode Emmanuel Ariyibi, said the programmes would enable participants go into the new year with divine directional and favour.

LASTMA officials on ground that help us with traffic, We have decided to make this exercise an annual event” he said For the duo of Dj Jimmy Jatt and General Pype’ The Walk ‘which started from Manuwa Street to Awolowo Road, F a l o m o , Kingsway road, Glover to 2nd Avenue, Ikoyi road (old Federal Secretariat) to Obalende back to Keffi road was an exhibition of love which they will continue to support.

“Growing up in Obalende gave us the platform in which we became what we are today. This is our root and we are ready to contribute to the development of our community,” •Participants at the programme said Jimmy.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

AGRO-BUSINESS

Growth scheme saved us, says minister

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HE Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has described the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) introduced in the outgoing year by his ministry as the saving grace for the agriculture sector.

Reviewing the ministry’s activities in Abuja, Adesina said: “But for the GESS, Nigeria would have seriously felt the impact of the flood disaster that occured in some parts of the country.”

With GESS, he said the government withdrew from direct fertiliser purchase and distribution, and introduced an alternative,

By Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

tranparent and efficient system of distribution built on the voucher system.

Under the scheme, he said registered farmers receive e-wallet vouchers with which they redeem fertiliser and seeds from agro-dealers.

Before the scheme, Adesina said only 11 per cent of fertilisers purchased and distributed by government got to genuine farmers.

In some cases,he said government fertilisers found its way to the markets and foreign countries, to the detriment of Nigerian farmers.

As at December 6, he said , about 1,585,980 farmers showed up at operational redemption sites in the 35 States and Federal Capital Territory(FCT) for the 2012 GES season.

About 1,113,685 farmers have received their farm inputs (government subsidised fertiisers and free seedlings) so far. Over 873 agrodealers are participating actively in the scheme. These figures,he explained excluded 2,639 farmers reached under the cotton seed multiplication programme and 27,834 farmers under the cotton seeds distribution programme.

Out of the five million transac-

tions processed through the GESS, in terms of languages, 45 per cent was in Hausa, 25 per cent in English, 17 per cent in Yoruba, 12 per cent in pidging English, and zero per cent because those in the Igbo speaking areas chose to transact in English Language.

On a regional basis,he said 197,656 benfitted from the GESS in North Central, 234821 in North East, 560,932 in North West, 49,484 in South East, 95,302 in South south and 30,014 in South west, which has started the planting season before the GESS Scheme was launched.

Fed Govt advised on funding for farmers

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ith a large proportion of the population directly engaged in small scale agriculture, the Federal Government has been urged to participate in agricultural value chains with adequate funding of farming.

Speaking with The Nation, Deputy Director, Grants Management and Reader, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr Kola Adebayo, said lack of access to finance has constrained the efforts of small producers across the value chains.

According to him, agriculture, including agri-processing is an area that is typically starved of funds.

Agri-processing companies,he noted play a major role in adding value to agri-commodities and in many cases link up with wholesalers/retailers to market the products.

He said agric processors are important players in the value chain, since they can spur rural development, by ensuring off-take of commodities from the producers and at the same time provide employment opportunities.

According to him, the needs of agro-based agro-based small and medium size (SMEs) for appropriate credit, are rarely met and this limits their capacity to support the

agricultural sector in realising its full potential and contributing meaningfully to national economic development.

He noted that it is the responsibility of the government and of the Central Bank to nudge banks towards a more inclusive approach which fulfils the needs of the agriculture sector.

Adebayo said the agriculture sector is a seasonal one with a longer gestation period and is exposed to a host of risks.

For this reason, he said traditional financial products do not really meet the needs of players in the agri-value chain.

To change the situation, Adebayo said financial institutions will have to make efforts to develop financial products suited for the agriculture sector.

He said financial products that are poorly designed are of limited use to the value chain players and severely limit the growth of the sector.

According to him, development of financial products has to be supplemented by some form of financial literacy which enables the farmers to understand the different financial products available, the right mix and the real cost of funds.

How to reverse decline in bee population

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FORMER head, Apiculture Unit, National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Imo State, Mr Victor Obi has said the beekeeping industry needs new strategies to tackle decline in honey bee colony populations.

Speaking with The Nation, Obi said bee populations have fallen sharply, and urgent action was needed to reverse the decline.

Obi said bees are very vital in food production as they are nature’s most prolific pollinators.

As a result, he said fewer plants are being pollinated, which affect their bearing fruits. This is a phenomenon that is now globally spread. This has major implications for farming and food supplies, as one-third of the world’s fruits and vegetables would not exist without the help of bees and other pollinators.

According to him, the decline of populations of bees and other flower-visiting creatures caused concern about pollination.

Obi blamed the decline on a number of factors, including climate change, loss of habitat, disease and the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides. He added that the impact is preventing bees from carrying out their vital role as a result of upsetting their life cycles.

Obi added that bees and other pollinating insects are vital to the production of crops, including fruits, vegetables and herbs. He urged the government to take decisive action to protect bees and other important pollinators.

Bees are important pollinators of wild plants and agricultural crops across the world including tomatoes and berries thanks to their large body size, long tongues, and highfrequency buzzing, which helps release pollen from flowers.

Bees in general pollinate some 90 per cent of the world’s commercial plants, including most fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Farmers hail govt

T Fishing on the bank of River Benue in Makurdi

FAO food price index drops by three per cent

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HE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Food Price Index averaged 211 points last month, down three points (1.5 per cent) from October and the lowest since June 2012.

Except for dairy, international prices of all the commodity groups included in the Index fell in November, with sugar undergoing the sharpest dip, followed by oils and cereals. The decline puts the November index value nearly three percent below one year ago.

The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 256 points in November, down four 4 points (1.5 per cent) from October but still 27 points (12 per cent) higher than in November 2011.

The decline was driven by a weakening of rice and wheat prices which more than offset the increase in maize quotations. Rice traded lower, mostly on abundant exportable supplies. Wheat values fell especially during the first half of the month as fears of an imminent

export restriction by Ukraine receded. By contrast, maize markets received support on concerns over supply prospects and weather conditions in South America.

The FAO Oils/Fats Price Index averaged 200 points in November,

down 6 points (2.9 percent) from October, and the third consecutive month of decline. The main driving factor remains abundant palm oil production, which, combined with weak world import demand, has led to further build-ups in inventories.

Better than expected soy yields in the United States and large global availabilities of rape and sunflower-seed oils also weighed on the index, as did lingering concerns over poor economic growth world-wide.

Fishermen express concern on harvest

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ISHERMEN in Dutse, Jigawa State, have expressed concern over inadequate harvest of fish because of the cold and dry weather caused by the harmattan.

At Jidawa Dam in Dutse Local Government Area, the quantity of fish caught by fishermen has dropped by 50 per cent since the beginning of harmattan.

A cross section of fishermen, who spoke with NAN, expressed their displeasure about the development, which they said was capable of driving them into the labour market.

Mallam Abubakar Abba, a fisher-

man, said he was recording low catch, as the fish had moved to the deep sea.

He stated that before the harmattan, he was catching 200 pieces of fish daily and lamented that the number had decreased since the cold and dry season started.

“Fishes bury themselves underneath the water during cold weather and this is making fishing difficult.

“We spend many hours in the water without making good catch, unlike before when large quantity

of fish were caught within a short period of time,” he said.

Another fisherman, Mr. Shehu Sule, who said that the occupation was not lucrative during the harmattan, regretted that the situation had exposed them to losses, as they could not catch adequate fish to meet local demand.

The fisherman, however, commended the state government for the construction of access road in the area. ‘’The road will facilitate easy access to the area and reduce wastages of fish.”

HE Jigawa Chapter of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has praised the Federal Government for distributing fertiliser and other inputs to irrigation farmers in the state.

The chairman of the association, Alhaji Adamu Maigoro, said in Auyo, Jigawa that the gesture would assist farmers and encourage agricultural activity.

The Federal Government had distributed 7,200 tonnes of fertiliser at 50 per cent subsidised rate to rice farmers in the state. The Federal Government also distributed 2,400 tonnes of improved rice seeds free to the farmers this season under its agricultural palliative programme to accelerate rice production in the country.

Maigoro said the measure would enhance farmers access to fertiliser, and seeds and encourage them to produce more.

He said: “We praise the Federal Government over the support and we will put more effort to double paddy rice production.

“More than 48,000 hectares of rice plantation was earmarked for cultivation in the state.

“Some of our members have also set up rice mills in Hadejia to enhance rice production in the state.”

The chairman further commended the Jigawa Government for providing 2,000 tube wells and hand pumps for irrigation farmers in the state.

“The state government is also clearing typher grass on the Hadejia River Basin. This exercise will encourage irrigation activity and provide means of livelihood for peasant farmers,” he said.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

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COMMENTARY Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Christmas Eve attacks •The yuletide was ruined for families, the pious and the entire nation

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N attacks that run counter to the essence of the season, gunmen unleashed mayhem on two churches in Yobe and Borno states on Christmas Eve, killing 12 people, including a pastor and a deacon. The attackers also set the Yobe church, where the pastor was killed, ablaze. The deacon and five other worshippers were killed at the First Baptist Church, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

And, on Christmas Day, some gunmen also opened fire on the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Council interim management officer, Alhaji Ahmed Kambai Ismaila, at about 9.30 a.m. at the Sallari Quarters in Kano. They had reportedly trailed him but shot at his vehicle when they got close to it. He escaped with injuries but his driver who was hit by the bullet died instantly.

These incidents dented the massive security cordon in the country by relevant security agents who had anticipated the possibility of attacks to mar the Christmas celebrations. Of course there was reason to so anticipate because the attackers seem to derive joy from such senseless killings. They have done that again and again, and there is nothing to suggest that we have seen the last of such attacks. In other words, the latest attacks brought back the sad memory of the Christmas Day bombings in Madala, Niger State, last year, in which many died.

We are saddened by the fact that the terrorists could display such a flagrant disregard for the solemn period that the Christmas represents. This is a season

when virtually everybody that matters has been calling for peace around the world.

As a matter of fact, Pope Benedict XVI, in his homily at the St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Tuesday spared time to decry the attacks on churches in Nigeria. The 85-year-old pontiff, in a message watched live around the world, and also by about 40,000 pilgrims prayed for “concord in Nigeria, where savage acts of terrorism continue to reap victims, particularly among Christians”.

We abhor terrorism in whatever form; it is even the more worrisome when it seems targeted at people of a particular religion. Nigeria is a secular state where freedom of worship is guaranteed in the constitution. So, it is wishful thinking for anyone or group to think they can silence or prevent people from practising their faiths.

It’s high time we tackled the security challenges headlong. The government should not allow things to degenerate to a situation where people would be going to their places of worship with the Holy Book on one hand and a bazooka on the other. We do not accept President Goodluck Jonathan’s excuse that the government is taking its time in dealing with the country’s challenges so as not to make mistakes. The fact is that time is running out; Boko Haram, for instance, has been with us since 2009 and about 3,000 persons have been killed in its various bombings and other attacks since then.

Yet, all that the government keeps giving Nigerians are assurances that ‘it is on top of the situation’. A time there was

when the president even told us that by June this year, Boko Haram would have been history. It is six months after and the terrorists are still wreaking havoc in the nation. So, how many more lives do we have to lose before the government gets its acts together?

What we are saying is that it should not take eternity for things to change for a government that knows its onion.

The fact is that President Jonathan has not inspired much hope in any area of our lives in the years that he has been president, which is unfortunate. In case the president needs to be reminded, security is the first task of any government. A government that cannot guarantee this has lost the basis of its existence.

‘The government should not allow things to degenerate to a situation where people would be going to their places of worship with the Holy Book on one hand and a bazooka on the other. We do not accept President Goodluck Jonathan’s excuse that the government is taking its time in dealing with the country’s challenges so as not to make mistakes ...’

Choosing a winning team •· Coach Keshi should be allowed to do his work

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HE storm of controversy that followed last week’s release of the 32-man provisional team list of Super Eagles players for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in South Africa next month is completely uncalled for, and could undermine efforts to ensure a good performance at the continental soccer showcase.

The list is made up of 14 home-based professionals and 18 players plying their trade abroad, and it is notable for the absence of prominent players like Taiye Taiwo, Osaze Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins. The list will be reduced to 23 players by January 9, 2013, which is the deadline for the submission of final team lists given by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

‘However, those who dislike the list would do well to remember that Keshi is Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, and as such, takes full responsibility for his team selection.

Perhaps more than anyone else, he has the greatest interest in selecting the strongest team possible to do the country proud in the wake of its humiliating absence at the last AFCON tournament in 2012’

The objections to the provisional list appear to fall into two main categories.

The first comprises excluded players who feel that they were not treated fairly. The most outspoken of them is Odemwingie, who has given vent to his rage and frustration on social media. Apart from several disrespectful comments about the coach, Stephen Keshi, he has also taken on former player and member of the Nigerian Football Federation’s Technical Committee, Victor Ikpeba.

The second category is made up of a miscellaneous assemblage of football followers, ranging from sports analysts to the man in the street. Some have criticised the coach for leaving out certain players; others have questioned the capabilities of some of the players who are on the list.

Their main grouse is that the whole exercise has been characterised by questionable motives and bad faith.

Given the intensity with which football is followed in Nigeria, these passionate reactions to the release of the provisional team list are understandable. However, those who dislike the list would do well to remember that Keshi is Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, and as such, takes full responsibility for his team selection. Perhaps more than anyone else, he has the greatest interest in selecting the strongest team possible to do the country proud in the wake of its humiliating absence at the last AFCON tournament in 2012. Keshi defended his list before the Technical Committee of the NFF prior to its release; if there were any glaring omissions or shortcomings, they would certainly have been pointed out by that body.

As for the exclusion of “star” players from the provisional list, it must be remembered that all the talent in the world cannot make up for the absence of discipline. On too many occasions, the Super Eagles’ efforts to achieve glory have been ruined by the willful behaviour of players who refused to obey their coaches or engaged in actions prejudicial to team harmony and cohesion. Nobody can forget the indiscipline of past campaigns that set players against themselves and made it impossible to achieve victory on the pitch. If Keshi has excluded certain players because he genuinely believes that they will constitute a disruptive influence to his squad, he is fully justified in doing so. Indeed, the vituperations of Odemwingie on social media only serve to buttress the wisdom of his exclusion.

The past few months have been bad for Nigerian football. Apart from the non-appearance of the Super Eagles at last year’s AFCON, the country’s Under23 men’s team was eliminated from the football event of the London Olympics, as were the Super Falcons, the senior women’s team. The Nigerian Premier League is beset with poor administration, sharp practices and declining attendances.

The resolution of these challenges must begin somewhere. If a coach decides to select his team on the basis of discipline and merit, without regard to ethnic, religious and other primordial considerations, his efforts should be supported in the strongest manner possible.

Love your gut bugs Bacteria could play a role in the fight against obesity

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IOLOGISTS are shining a scientific spotlight on previously neglected inhabitants of our bodies. The 100tn bacteria that populate an average adult, living mainly in the guts, should be treated with more respect, recent research shows, because they play a vital role in maintaining human health.

The latest study by Chinese scientists provides new evidence that the different types of microbes in the gut can help to explain why some people grow fat and others don’t. The microbiome, as it is known, turns out to be a risk factor for obesity, alongside eating too much, exercising too little and having the wrong genes. Our digestion has evolved to work with the help of a kilogramme or so of microbes; the way we extract calories from food and how fast our appetite is satisfied – determinants of how much weight we put on – depend on the balance between the 200 to 300 bacterial species that live in a typical human gut.

As several recent studies have shown, this balance depends critically on what we eat.

People living on a modern western diet have a very different microbiome from their pre-industrial ancestors. And a study of elderly people in Ireland, published in the journal Nature this summer, showed a direct relationship between diet, bacterial diversity and wellbeing. Although more research is needed to prove the point, evidence is growing that a varied diet, including plenty of unprocessed fruit, vegetables and cereals, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the human body – indicating another possible theme for public health campaigns.

At the same time scientists at Reading University and elsewhere are taking a more directed approach. They are designing and testing “prebiotic” dietary ingredients to select for a beneficial community of gut bugs that reduces the risk of obesity and associated problems such as diabetes.

Appreciation of the importance of nourishing a healthy human microbiome should also lend weight to a quite different public health campaign: the drive to cut over-prescribing of antibiotics for trivial or inappropriate infections. Although antibiotics are intended only to kill pathogens, there is collateral damage to other microbes, upsetting the bacterial balance.

The message for the holiday period, as you eat your festive foods, is to remember that you are feeding not just yourself but all the bugs in your body. Treat them to a varied diet – and do not poison them with unnecessary medication.

– Financial Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

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•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: In 1914, the British colonialists amalgamated different nations around the River Niger area to form what is today known as Nigeria. The ‘British masters’ caused the fusion the Hausas, the Fulanis, the Kanuris, the Nupes, the Yorubas, the Ijaws, the Ibos, the Ibibos, the Kalabaris and so on. Nigeria is a combination of nations because a nation is a large aggregate of people united by common descent, history, culture including language, inhabiting a particular natural country or territory.

It is different from a federation. A federation is a group of states with central government and with each state having independence in internal affairs like governance, education, policing, transportation etc.

Over 98 years after the forced union, not all Nigerians can speak “our common language” and some of us are very pleased with our local language irrespective of the constituents of the gathering. In the beginning of the union, things looked promising. The education system introduced by the colonialists was embraced by the few that could afford schools. A primary school leaver in the sixties will read newspaper correctly and can write acceptable application for jobs. University graduates are now riding Okada and only take time off during off-peak hours to read free newspapers.

We have the resources both at

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Regional integration is the answer state and national levels to actualise better standard of living for our people but the structure to make sure this is possible is not in place.

We seem to perform better when we are organised along the regional divide. When we operated as a region, we did more collectively than when we were ‘butchered’ into states. The states were not correctly demarcated because the stakeholders were not involved and could not say which state they prefer to belong. Prominent examples are the

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Okuns, the Aworis and the Ekitis.

In some cases, because of natural features like the rivers, a community was divided into to. An example is Asejire in Oyo and Osun states.

Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, of blessed memory, gave the Western region of Nigeria the infrastructure that made it the envy of other regions and nations. Nnamdi Azikiwe followed suit in the Eastern region and Tafawa Balewa in the Northern region. Our people

were motivated because they had sense of belonging to their respective regions and saw regional projects as national projects that belonged to all. Corruption level was low because everybody’s aim was to deliver qualitative public goods and not personal aggrandisement. The other regions in Nigeria were greatly impacted by the Yoruba’s doctrine of being virtuous and the laudable achievements of the sage. A lot of job-seekers came from the other regions to

Nigeria and China: A tale of two countries

IR: Nigeria is seen by many people as a wretched country.

The country has been mocked; her people taunted, disgraced in some parts of the world and undermined. “Sleeping Giant of Africa” has been the mocking phrase used to replace the great mantra “Giant of Africa”.

But Nigeria is not the first great nation to attract scorn as a result of her problems. China was maligned

even more but today, they are the darling of all countries.

Before 1978, China was an autarky -an economy that loathes international trade. They did not trade with other countries. Communism brought untold hardship, poverty, and put the country into economic quagmire. China wandered in this wilderness of acute impoverishment, uncontrollable poverty, hunger, bad leadership and social res-

tiveness.

The death of Mao marked the beginning of the country’s turnaround as Deng Xiaoping, the then President, made the famous ‘open window policy’ and China has not looked back since then.

Deng Xiaoping and his assistants were pragmatists; they purged the Chinese society of a notion that was championed by Mao Zedong that “there is pride in being poor”. They

Ibori’s N50 million pension

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IR: “He was never the legitimate governor and there was effectively a thief in government house. As the pretender of that public office, he was able to plunder Delta state’s wealth and hand out patronage”. Prosecution QC Sasha Wass (speaking about James Onanefe Ibori).

Despite efforts by Delta Government to defend payment of 50 million naira pension into ex-Governor Ibori’s account,the rationale in favour of this infamous decision lacks any moral justification.

With gusto, the Delta State commissioner of information tried to insulate Ibori’s treasury looting and other misdemeanor from his pen-

seek solace in the South-West.

Ibadan greatly developed into the biggest city in West Africa. So also was Lagos.

Regional integration will ginger rapid development of the federation. Nigeria is like a construction project with language barrier as a major problem. We fail to understand and listen to each other. The people that can steer the ship of Nigeria to safe harbour can hardly get to the steering. Mainstreaming is a callous means of benefiting at others’ expense. Regional integration is for those that have ideas to let ‘charity begin at home’. By demonstrating that our regions can be great, Nigeria will be greater than we can expect and this will save Nigeria a lot of resources and make it a developed nation.

• Olufemi Oyedele.

Osogbo, Osun State

sion entitlement. The trend is very common in our clime, where, despite glaring and overwhelming evidence, white suddenly becomes black.

It is even insulting, repulsive and demeaning that the same Delta State is still spending a fortune in legal fees trying to retrieve Ibori’s $15million dollars bribe to EFCC in court. A flood-ravaged state in need of funds to revamp its economy should not be thinking of compensating a felon who milked them dry.The policy thrust of the government should be the people first and foremost.

The rate of violent crimes are increasing in Nigeria today primarily

due to massive corruption in high places, because funds that should have been freed to socially secure unemployed citizens are diverted or trapped in private pockets. Dwindling industrial base leading to job loses, reckless elite, a vicious ideologically driven violent terrorists in the north and quasi zero spending on social security to tame increasing redundant population are recipe for disaster. How do we intend to tame this monster? We are not getting it!

As a criminal that captured the governor’s office by altering and concealing his criminal records, identity and looted state’s treasury, Ibori and his cronies across the federation should be barred from accessing state

fund or benefit (pension). If felons enjoy state funds via pension, then what is wrong dedicating funds to appease Boko-Haram, kidnappers, armed-robbers and other miscreants?

After all, the root of these violent crimes are attributable to greed, recklessness and shortsightedness of our elite.

Or is someone saying some criminals are more handsome than others?

Paying Ibori pension from the resources of the state he looted has serious consequence, precedence and signal. We must pay serious attention to our sense of reward!

• Akinola M.A. Verona-Italy

let the people know that there was no pride in being poor. We remember that in Nigeria, a leader once coined such phrase as “do or die” during an election and ever since, the country has witnessed intolerable rigging.

Deng had other phrases like “peaceful rise”, “adopt what works and reject what doesn’t work”, and “incremental development”. They rejected the ‘big bang’ or ‘shock therapy’ approach to development.

Conversely, Nigeria is still enmeshed in her problems. The good news though is that Nigeria and Nigerians share similar traits to China and Chinese. The dissimilarity between the two countries though, is that Nigeria is endowed with so many natural resources while China is sparsely endowed.

However, China has been able to recover her lost glory and positioned herself not only as the dragon of Asia but the dragon of the world. The question remains: can Nigeria regain her giant-ship and become truly the giant of Africa?

The answer is yes. But it will not come on the platter of gold. There is need for serious thinking and change of heart.

• Uwalaka Temple Daejeon, South Korea.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012 16

21

COMMENTS

This year…as all others (3)

T

HIS year as all others, we pretended to have answers to everything. Did we? This year, we continued to spit words and eat them, like the dog that waddles back to gobble its vomit.

This year, we quoted Nietzsche, Plato, Disreali among others to garnish our columns while we did all we can to silence true-born dissent on our news pages and news networks, lest we incur the ire of irate benefactors.

This is the year we ennobled the thieving statesman and denied the patriot the plaudits we save for noble compatriots. This is the year we celebrated underachievers as the best of overachievers. This year, we celebrated the vanities of dim-witted celebrities on frontpages of our national newspapers.

Here goes the year we exhausted newsprint and priceless airtime to glamorize the shenanigans of “society bigwigs and small wigs”although we cannot tell and still cannot tell, the simplest manifestations of our news practice, on say, the vendor who markets the newspaper or his girl-child for whom Universal Basic Education (UBE) remains an everlasting fantasy.

This is the year we feted the northern mafia, eastern cabal, western gerontocracy, and south-south uprising, as usual, even as they undermined our collective dreams and everything that nationhood and ambition had ever bestowed us.

Beyond our elegant words and brazen manifestations of high character, our practice is modeled after

E

some greedy few’s cartography of citizenship than by any internal dynamic of allegiances. Hence our misinterpretation of the social contract between the Fourth Estate and every other estate charged with the administration and supervision of our nation-state.

Thus this year as all others, we hid behind interviews, ‘big interviews,’ to abdicate our responsibilities to the Nigerian public. This is the year we taught the public to feast and digest perversion because we believe it’s what they love to do best; because we know if we treat them to more depravity, they will become more willing participants, and we would get more adverts and keep smiling to the banks.

This is the year in which we squandered N1 billion or thereabouts to feed Mr. President and his deputy; this year, Mr. President approved N15 billion official residence for Mr. Vice President because leaders of men like them deserve to eat and dwell like no ordinary man.

This year, President Goodluck Jonathan afflicted our luck with his New Year gift of fuel subsidy removal. In response, we marched out in protest to establish our home grown Occupy Nigeria movement but failed devastatingly because our voices quieted to racism and confusion. Mr. President’s kinsmen believed Nigeria should get with the programme; a South-south man is in power and everything he does should be accepted unquestionably.

This is the year in which our

X–GOVERNOR of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose is not only controversial; he loves and revels in controversy. Ekiti people will never forget him in a hurry. Not so pleasant memories of his truncated reign linger in Ekiti today. As governor between 2003 and 2006, he did many strange things alien to Ekiti. Ekitis are so full of integrity and cherish the Omoluabi credo. An Ekitiman for instance would not imagine his governor passing under a barbed wire fence at an international airport; a governor to personally storm the venue of a rally by the opposition with roughnecks; a governor to torment and humiliate a first class traditional ruler and even contemplate removing him.

He was accused of ordering the beating to death of an opposition member, one Tunde Omojola in Ifaki-Ekiti during a local government election in April 2004 but nothing has been done about this till date.

Prominent Ekiti citizens tasted a dose of his reign at that period. Femi Falana was threatened with summary execution if he ventured out on Election Day at his Ilawe home while a prominent legal luminary was not spared as his posters filled town portraying him as contesting for governor of Ekiti State by Fayose’s loyalists. The legal luminary had to cry to Abuja for protection from the rampaging governor. A former Military Administrator now a serving minister was beaten to a state of pulp while ex-Gov Segun Oni was not only beaten blue and black but also dragged on the floor. To make his reign more dreadful, it was at that time that Ayo Daramola an aspirant for the 2007 gubernatorial elections was felled by assassin’s bullets. The murder remained unresolved till date.

Many opposition leaders had to flee Ekiti for their lives. When Ekiti people could no longer bear his suffocating reign, they formed a common front to truncate his tenure. It became a shame to be identified as an Ekiti person at that time because the question that would follow is, ‘as educated as you are, why are you people so careless as to allow this character emerge as your governor’?

Eventually, providence, rather than any

brothers in the north-east tirelessly blew to death our mothers and daughters, sons and fathers in the market place, on the playground, in our bedrooms and houses of worship in the name of politics and religion. This is the year in which our brothers in the south-east determinedly kidnapped our wives and daughters, mothers and fathers, sons and heirs apparent, for a ransom, and their lust for unearned affluence. This is the year in which our brothers in the southwest habitually mortgaged our future on the altar of politics, personal and sectarian greed. This year as all others, we refused to dissect these maladies, in the interest of our nation and thus helped the world to understand why we are regarded as the inheritors in whose hands the heritage dies and everything fails.

This year, we affirmed those dreadful points our internal and external publics love to make; that we have become inept, mediocre, irredeemably shorn of truth and uprightness in our work. This year, we affirmed that we are amoral and somewhat intellectually challenged by our ethnic and intellectual bigotry.

This year, we failed to actualize press freedom because it was sociopolitically incorrect to do so. This year as all others, we failed to acknowledge that our survival or death as a nation is undeniably entwined with the tenor of practice and citizenship of the Nigerian press.

If words could bite, I hope this mauls the fingers and tongues of the spin-masters till they spin nothing but gibberish. I speak of the one who laments the state of the Nigerian media and in the same breadth burns our bridge to the future of our dreams.

This year as all others, I make a

case for re-sensitization of the Nigerian media. It is time we dismembered our clan of the shameless breed. I speak of the almighty charlatan who believes that the status quo should be sustained ad infinitum because characters like him deserve the right to unquestionable practice.

Lest you think I moot that the press be gagged, I suggest no such arbitrariness – even if I do, it would hardly matter because we go through the practice, gagged.

We are our worst enemies. In spite of everything, we choose to play god. That is why “dogs don’t eat dogs” in our Fourth Estate although it’s okay if we choose to eat the entrails of a few ordinary Nigerians and almighty benefactors, like the unfortunate adulterer caught pants down even as we underreport thieving bankers stealing from wretched folk to enrich their privileged peers.

I hope we find the courage to report; “The Rot in the Media.” I hope we find the courage to report that for every kobo looted by government, in our public and private sectors, the press gets to have its take however meager it is. Dateline: media parleys, press conferences and governors’roundtables.

Were we passionately inclined to monitor our affairs daily that we may not digress and put to shame our practice, wouldn’t journalism be much better? Were we humane enough to improve our welfare and conditions of service, wouldn’t our journalists be dignified and our practice nobler?

It’s time we asked: “Who is a journalist?” and aspire to an untainted definition of it. It’s time we redefined what level of knowledge, qualification and professionalism is expected of a journalist. It’s time we ascertained what manner of passion channels the direction of

our news practice.

It’s time we refused to humour such society that continually disrespects us and treats us as disposable pawns in its grand scheme of themes. Come 2013, shall we continue to service the depravity of folk for whom our pens write maladies at the expense of melodies impoverished folk would die to have us write about, that they might fare better?

Will 2013 mutate like our past?

Shall we remain intellectual hit men of every hoodlum with towering cash? Shall we become cliffhangers to take the portrait of every looter with a promising smile?

Shall we remain the media managers that pay poorly even as we label expatriate firms, slave-drivers?

Next year, will the masses stare at our cover pages with knowing glares, knowing they would never feel the infinitesimal clangor of chilled hope because we are, as usual, nothing more than an aberration of their desperate circumstances? Shall we continue to speak from both sides of the mouth? Shall we continue to eat like idiots at the feast of the one who calls us “idiot?”

‘This is the year in which we squandered N1 billion or thereabouts to feed Mr. President and his deputy; this year, Mr. President approved N15 billion official residence for Mr. Vice President because leaders of men like them deserve to eat and dwell like no ordinary man’

The return of Fayose

By Idowu Ajibola other thing swept Fayose off the seat of power and Ekitis heaved a sigh of relief even if momentarily. Though he was impeached in rather controversial circumstances, he went underground immediately; he hibernated and occasionally threw jibes from hiding. The rerun election of 2009 between Kayode Fayemi and Segun Oni gave him an opportunity to launch himself back into reckoning. He was clever, he pitched his tent with the popular Action Congress (AC) and the people temporarily forgot his painful reign because he joined them in demanding for justice. But because of his nature of always trying to dominate his environment, he couldn’t wait for the justice he fought for to be realised before he abandoned the people’s ship again and went solo. Before the 2007 elections, he joined the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and during the gubernatorial re-run election in 2009, he claimed he remained a member of the PDP while working for the ACN after which he joined Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) from where he joined Labour Party (LP) and finally he came back recently to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under which he originally contested and won as governor in 2003. The period after Fayose’s ouster from 2006-2010 was not better in terms of instability and violence.

When Dr. Fayemi eventually mounted the saddle, peace which had eluded Ekiti returned. Armed robbery incidents drastically reduced, kidnappers were kept at bay and Ekiti became too hot for criminals.

Suddenly, like a bolt from the blues, news of violence filled the dailies in the last one month and this is not unconnected with the rumoured gubernatorial ambition of the exgovernor who had been readmitted into the PDP for the purpose of winning the state back for the PDP in 2014. But before that, a member of his party and his loyalist who was an exDeputy Speaker cried out on television with

a heavily bandaged neck accusing Fayose’s thugs of nearly strangulating him during the PDP congresses. Recently, he was said to have started a one-man gubernatorial campaign by embarking on tour of local governments to counter a similar tour embarked by the governor few days earlier. His first call was Ilejemeje where youths in the area reportedly prevented him from passing through the newly resurfaced Iludun,-Obada-Iye-IkosunIgogo-Otun road by Fayemi government and was reminded of how he boasted during his reign that he would not fix the road because they didn’t vote for him and the road was left undone. The youths prevented his vehicle from passing through. Next, he was in OyeEkiti where he reportedly went with about 60 policemen fully armed. He was again met with resistance by the people of the town including his party members who believed he was wrongly favoured by Abuja. He erected huge loud speakers where he declared his intention to be governor and was condemning the present government as having done nothing. Violence broke out, some members were injured, and vehicles were damaged while police fired teargas to disperse the crowd. The following day, against security advice, he ventured to IlaweEkiti but the town was too hot for him to enter as youths numbering over 5,000 mobilised and warned him never to enter the town. The intimidating presence of over 100 anti-riot policemen who were deployed to the town to facilitate his entry did not dissuade the youths who were battle ready.

At the end, Fayose could not enter the town.

He tried the following day to go to Ikere Ekiti, he met the same resistance though he succeeded in entering the town and addressed an almost empty hall, and he did so amid tight security and a hail of bullets. A passerby was hit by a stray bullet while many others were injured. He was eventually ferried out of the town by policemen. He has since stopped further campaign tour. But he was

bent on reinventing his dark days of violence and last week, the dailies reported he hid under the pretence of celebrating his birthday while his roughnecks attacked innocent Ado Ekiti citizens with machetes in their houses.

What this tells discerning observers is that never again would Ekiti people allow an Ayo Fayose or any other element in his image come back to power at any level. They demonstrated this during the 2011 general elections when he was roundly beaten as the senatorial candidate of the Labour Party. If he was once so popular to win an election as governor and eight years after, he has become so unpopular to lose a senatorial election which is one third of the state he governed, the message should be clear that he is not wanted by the people again. But Fayose is such a personality that never gives up. He believes anything is possible in Nigeria and one cannot blame him. He has gotten away with so many things in the past including very grave allegations. The one billion naira poultry fraud case with the EFCC is almost forgotten. Also the state government has not had the courage to prosecute him on the alleged beating to death of Tunde Omojola in Ifaki Ekiti on his orders and in his presence.

If he is going about like loose cannon, it is the fault of the agencies of government responsible for law enforcement. He has not given up; he is only hibernating and would soon come out to cause more violence as it becomes increasingly clearer to him that he has been declared a persona non-grata by the people who have refused to be taken back to his dark inglorious days.

The question remains, is the PDP bereft of good candidates? The people have played their part in rejecting him but why have EFCC, the previous and the present governments in Ekiti unable to prosecute Fayose? Why is he given loads of anti-riot policemen to shepherd him about as if he is a serving governor?

• Ajibola writes from Iye-Ekiti

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

22

COMMENTS ‘To govern according to sense and agreeable with the interest of the people is a great and glorious element of government…’

——–—Edmund Burke HIS is the last piece from this column for year ending 2012. So, the New Year would have been some days old before next Friday’s edition will be due. As an observer and commentator on events of the past months, one thinks it pertinent to reflect over the way governance is being muddled up in the country in the past twelve months.

President Goodluck Jonathan started this year on the wrong side of history. On the first day of January, 2012, he greeted Nigerians with indefensible 49 per cent fuel price increase under the guise of removing fuel subsidy.

Nigerians resisted the cruel move and in the end, his imprudence in decision making came to the fore when the sleaze about the corruption called fuel subsidy started coming to the public domain.

The shame of that expose should ordinarily have compelled the president to resign in other clime but this is Nigeria where anything, including official criminality can maliciously escape the klieglight of the law.

From that January till today, just three days before year 2013 beckons, the president has been wobbling and fumbling in his handling of state matters. Yet, he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces that seem to have lost control over his troops.

The spate of insecurity in the country has continually been on the increase without corresponding effective solutions from the presidency. The Boko Haram cankerworm, the armed robbery operations, kidnappings and abductions continue without inhibition. It is only when family members of top-notchers in government and society are victims of kidnapping that the security agencies really prove that they can work. Yet, the president sees nothing bad in the deployment of military jet for personal use of one of his aides recently. It is indeed very sad that the military jet used during the final rites of Oronto Douglas’ father crashed. May the souls of the victims of that crash rest in peace. Amen. But the fact still remains that it was wrong to have deployed such important service jet for the social use of a mere presidential aide. Such impunity must have been going on within power circles without the public knowing.

T

I

WOULD like to recount an experience I had while attending a function that had the presence of the quartet of the Senate President David Mark, Anambra State governor Peter Obi, senators Chris Ngige and Andy Uba. The occasion was the Anambra State University’s convocation lecture delivered by the Senate President with the theme “Democracy and Democratization in Nigeria: The Journey So Far”. The lecture hall was packed to the full as technocrats, academics and scholars, non-academic staff, traditional rulers, students and other notable dignitaries had come to felicitate with ANSU and perhaps drink deep from David Mark’s knowledge stream. But of course, protocols had to be followed: first came the prayers, then the national anthem, and then the university orator began the ritual of recognizing the university’s august visitors.

First was the Senate President, who received a loud ovation, the orator then recognized Governor Obi, who by virtue of his office is also the visitor to that university. Trust the orator, she wanted to look good before her boss, she gave it her best shot, calling the governor several titles and appellations for about a minute and half, a privilege a more decorated David Mark was not afforded and at the end of it all, our governor got a mild ovation.

Then came the turn of Senator Ngige, one could notice the orator’s drop in tone, body language and enthusiasm. She had done a good job for our governor, why spoil it by according an opponent of his with the same vigour, tone and style? Perhaps she didn’t want to be asked if there could be two governors in a state?

Rambling on the words, “The former Governor of Anambra State”; at this stage the hall became silent, the kind of silence that a Buddhist would naturally love, the crowd listened on, awaiting the mention of a name or senatorial zone, since both Ngige and Uba had been addressed as governor at one point in time – Ngige for three and a half years and Uba for a period of 16 days.

Then the words fell out of her mouth “and Senator representing Anambra Central”. Alas that was it! The audience cheered and

New Year: Brooding over poor governance

•Jonathan And Nigerians would not have known but for the unfortunate crash that claimed the lives of those brilliant Nigerians. Who then should be held responsible if not a president that is obviously not in firm control of his office?

Surprisingly, the same president in his Christmas message wants Nigerians to still be hopeful about a positive turn around in his uninspiring approach to governance. He said: “No one should doubt that we have the political will and determination to deliver on our promise of positive changes in the living conditions of our people in the shortest possible time….. It is my hope and expectation that more of the efforts, actions and

measures we are already undertaking in these areas will successfully come to fruition next years and make the results of the diligent project planning and execution being done under this administration more apparent to all Nigerians.”

Which of President Jonathan’s project was diligently planned and executed? Could it be the fuel subsidy removal policy which even the unintelligible in the society now know is just a conduit pipe to service the profligacious proclivity of some powerful elements in government and the society. Let us flash our minds to the messy details of corruption that trailed report of the House of Representatives ad hoccommittee that probed management of subsidy funds; What about that of the Mallam Nuhu Ribadu oil Committee that finally nailed the presidency as being complicit in the fuel subsidy scam that Nigerians are made to forcefully pay for. It is sad that the president still believes in fuel subsidy when those‘oil thieves’ indicted in the various committees’ reports are now roaming freely in the streets. More importantly, the issue of corruption of values is hurting the nation so much; what has the president done about it? In Jonathan’s usual saying, it may be true that corruption in the country predates his ascension to power but he owes Nigerians that duty of bringing it to a minimal level now that he is fully in power. Is he doing this? The only thing that the present

Ngige as man of the people

By Igboeli Arinze applauded with a mighty noise, Ngige then stood up to acknowledge the cheering as others had done before him and then took his seat but the cheering continued amidst shouts of Onwa!, Onwa! rising in tempo, this caused Ngige to rise up a second time to receive the applause, meanwhile a lady in her mid forties threw caution to the winds as she dashed forward to kiss the Senator’s hands, she probably must have been a staff of the university but who cared, she was swept in the euphoria of the moment, like others her joy knew no bounds.

For Obasanjo’s Man Friday, Senator Uba got a consolatory applause, now don’t blame him, it’s not just his thing.

I have taken much pain to paint a picture of how much the people like Senator Ngige. Anytime, any day, Senator Ngige is a man of the people. But what makes Ngige thick? Why Ngige? What are the main attributes of this bearded politician? The ever smiling, diminutive and amiable politician has a grass to grace respectability story; coming with it is an impeccable civil service record, and then a compassion for the common man. If a few had thought that his 2003 - 2006 blaze of glory stint as governor would not be replicated as a senator in the seventh National Assembly, that the forthrightness, integrity, brilliance and courage which were the hallmarks of his stewardship then, would simply disappear since he had no Chris Uba and the richa ife nine (Chop and quench in Igbo) gang to deal with this time, I am quite sure that such fellows must be eating their hats now like dear Mr. Grimwig in Charles Dickens Oliver Twist.

As a first time senator, Ngige has refused to toe the line of first termers who are made to see themselves as being ravaged by the kwashiorkor of ideas, no! His contributions on the floor of the Senate have been sterling enough, each bearing strong hints of his passion for the ordinary Nigerian. On

oversight functions, Senator Ngige has obviously done well again, his input in committees like power and mines, health, education, police, capital markets and constitution review has been well noted by his colleagues in the various committees as well as the leadership of the senate.

On the delivery of the dividends of democracy to his constituents, again it is a plus for Ngige. Starting from the construction of a motorised borehole at Federal Government College Nise coupled with a computer centre for the same school and then on to the construction of three blocks of classrooms in Umunachi, Dunukofia.

Another motorised borehole is in Idemili South with five other bore hole projects in Abacha, Ideani, Neni and Ukeh areas. In addition, the senator has undertaken to site constituency projects via the provision of streetlights to communities within the district. Areas like Nkpor junction, Oyeagu Abagana, Nimo, Ukeh, Obosi, Adazi, Enugu Ukwu, Adazi Nnukwu, Adazi Ani, Nibo, Amawbia, Enugu Agidi, Aguluzigbo and a host of other communities are to benefit from this project.

On the issue of power, one should expect these few sceptics to burn their hands too. As vice chairman of Senate Committee on Power and Mines, Senator Ngige has certainly been alive to his duties and in that direction has helped to attract certain power projects to the state as a whole. To the glory of God too, the inclusion of Anambra as one of the pilot states to partake in a scheme that seeks to make power outage in these select states a thing of the past is also doing of Senator Ngige.

Projects abound; power stations in Amanuke, Urum, Awka North, Awba Ofemili, Umunachi, Umuoji, Aguleri, Ogidi and Ifitedunu. There is the construction of 2 by 7.5 MVA injection stations in Idemili South. Installation of 3 x 300 KVA at Isiagu, Amabor, Enuofufe, Amata, Awba Ofemili, Umuchibu, Maternity and Umuosite. Areas like Nnaba and Umunocha are to have

government understands is how to further entrench the anomalies of the past in the public affairs of the country.

Let us be sincere with ourselves, Nigerians may find it difficult to believe Mr President whose hallmark as president has been imprudence. He seems not to be perturbed by the looming harsh verdict of history.

To brood over the nation’s avoidable afflictions is a serious issue that could engage one for days. But the leadership is not bothered about the hypertensive consequences of these endless thoughts about Nigeria’s problems by right thinking citizens.

What then happens in 2013? Will it be the routine ritual of doing things the old ways?

Will this administration give serious and sincere priority to the security and welfare of Nigerians? Will there be safety net to cushion the effect of official profligacy that erroneously looks incurable? Indeed, brooding over Nigeria’s problems is an important work on its own because governance in 2012 was not done according to good sense nor was it carried out in the interest of the people.

Thank you all….my readers!

All thanks to God, the almighty, for imbuing one with the grace of good life, knowledge and the skill to sustain this column in the past 12 months. Our sincere gratitude to readers for their interest in the column and The Nation newspaper, over the past months.

Let me state that those responses of yours, through text messages, though not usually published, are very inspiring and motivating. May I seize this opportunity to wish you all compliment of the season and a prosperous New Year in advance.

‘Let us flash our minds to the messy details of corruption that trailed report of the House of Representatives ad hoccommittee that probed management of subsidy funds; What about that of the Mallam Nuhu Ribadu oil Committee that finally nailed the presidency as being complicit in the fuel subsidy scam that Nigerians are made to forcefully pay for’ constructed a 2 X 300 KVA sub station for each area. Same goes for Umenebo, Nnobi, Eziafakaego, Nawgu, Oba and Ukwulu, which are to enjoy either the construction or installation of 2 X 300 KVA sub stations. Areas like Ndiokpaleke in Orumba, Ugwu Awovu in Enugu Ukwu and Agu Awka are to be rehabilitated, in fact word has it that it was on the senator’s prodding that the Energy Commission and other agencies went back to work at the sites mentioned above.

These are in addition to hundreds of students at secondary, tertiary and higher degree levels placed on scholarship.

Now, if these feats are not laudable then I wonder what is?

In the speech that heralded his decision to vie for the senate seat, Ngige’s simple submission was to touch the lives of Ndi Anambra again, to transform Anambra State into a land of opportunities and to restore the lost glory to the people of Anambra. In less than two years he has just done more than that.

Finally, statesmen were simply politicians who did ordinary things in an extra-ordinary manner; I reckon that Senator Ngige is fast approaching that mark reserved for titans and quintessential statesmen alike.

• Arinze writes from Awka

‘His contributions on the floor of the Senate have been sterling enough, each bearing strong hints of his passion for the ordinary Nigerian. On oversight functions, Senator Ngige has obviously done well again, his input in committees like power and mines, health, education, police, capital markets and constitution review has been well noted by his colleagues in the various committees as well as the leadership of the senate’

NFF

waives semi-final

Osaze blames Ikpeba target for Keshi for 2012 AFCON miss Pg. 24

Pg. 24

Sport PAGE 23

Friday, December 28, 2012

AHEAD OF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

Benitez holds on to Mikel, Moses

•Says duo needed for cup ties

NATIONSPORT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012 24

41

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...

NFF

Osaze blames Ikpeba for 2012 AFCON miss

waives semi-final target for Keshi

Ogude showers encomiums on Keshi •Vows to make Eagles’ squad From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

• Garba

Eaglets to hit camp early January From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja

• Ikpeba • Keshi

Ekeji tips Eagles for AFCON glory From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja

Faro set for Super Eagles Akpoborie wants solid Eagles’ defence

• Ekeji

Coreman backs Keshi on Eagles From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

Gov's Belt: Fashola counsels boxers against violent protests

AFRICA ATHLETIC YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

AFN fixes Feb. 18 for Nigeria's trials

•As Fijabi emerges winner

• Wale Edun

25

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

PEOPLE THE NATION

AN EIGHT-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

The remains of Mrs Comfort Olufunke Ponnle, wife of the chairman, MicCom Cables and Wires Limited and MicCom Golf Hotel and Resort, Ada, Osun State, Prince Michael Ayantunde Ponnle, were laid to rest at the MicCom House, Ada, last Saturday, amidst glowing tributes. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there

•Prince Ponnle flanked by (from right) Kolawole; Biodun; Mrs Daramola; Mr Daramola; Mrs Imevbore; Mrs Adubi and Mrs Jibola Ponnle at the grave side

Exciting farewell to a princess I

T was just as she wished - no mourning; just celebration.

A rain of tributes from family members, associates and friends extolling the virtues of a worthy woman; a big party at which two music giants performed and solemn church service.

For the late Mrs Comfort Olufunke Oluwalambe Ponnle, who died at 68 in Cardiff, United Kingdom on October 29, the show would not have been less. The funeral took place last weekend in Ada, Osun State.

The late Mrs Ponnle and her husband, Prince Michael Ayantunde Ponnle, chairman, MicCom Cables and Wires Limited and MicCom Golf Hotel and Resort, Ada, Osun State, home of Nigeria's first privately owned golf course, rose from lowly background to the top.

Perhaps, their poor background influenced their empathy for mankind.

They are also role models in the

‘I have lost my wife, my sister, my mother, my soul mate and my best friend. We did everything together and I know without doubt that I couldn't have had a more loving and loyal companion. The only word to describe what I feel now is dissolution’ •The late Mrs Ponnle

marriage institution and successful business partners with hundreds of workers in their establishments.

Thousands of people have benefited from their silent philanthropic gestures.

These and many more were the reasons eminent personalities thronged Ada, a rustic town near Iragbiji, a two-mountain (male and female) town, in Osun State.

They came in thousands to bid the Osogboborn Ada amazon farewell.

From last Thursday till Saturday, the town was a beehive of activities.

Her death came barely a month to her 68th birthday.

Many wept uncontrollably. Not even the consolation of the deceased's husband, Prince Ponnle, could stop the late Mrs Ponnle's

admirers.

But 52 days later, it was a mixed feeling for the guests and the host community.

While many shared the philosophy of the deceased that her demise should be celebrated, some, especially her benefactors, those who drank from her milk of kindness still wore mournful outfits. Others looked indifferent at the funeral.

The three-day service began with the taking of her remains to Osogbo where dane guns boomed to announce the passing of a princess.

It was followed by a Night of Tributes at the Olona Hall, MicCom Golf Hotel and Resort, which featured a documentary on the life and times of the late Princess.

There, speaker after speaker delivered

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

emotional tributes.

The Captain of MicCom Golf Resort Club, Dr Bayo Faforiji, said: "The legendary Romeo and Juliet we read in secondary school manifested in the life of the late Mrs Ponnle and her husband. They were always together and the deceased had a good sense of humour. Everybody always wanted her to be around because she had a fantastic sporting spirit."

Dr Fowoke Akinleye described the late Mrs Ponnle as a wonderful, confident and humble woman, who possessed the rare ability to transform things.

Prince Ademola Adetona, former executive director at AG Leventis, who did not want to take part in the tributes, summoned the courage to say a few words.

He said the deceased had a glorious exit.

Adetona read a moving tribute.

"You were a blessing to your generation.

You have come, you have seen and you have conquered. You blazed the trail in the field of engineering at a time the profession was solely for men," he said.

Others who spoke included former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the late Mrs Ponnle's classmate, Mrs Oluremi Awofisan and ace broadcaster Mr Bisi Olatilo.

Afterwards, there was light entertainment and a photograph session. Guests relished delicious meals served by the waiters before Revd Ehindero Afolabi closed the night with prayers.

The following day featured lying-in-state and wake keep at MicCom House.

Prince Ponnle received guests after walking past the glittering silver casket with golden strip. Prince Adetona sat beside him to welcome them.

The staff of office of Ada monarch was placed by the coffin.

By 5pm, the pavilion of the house had been filled with dignitaries.

The event featured praises, worship, congregational hymns, Bible reading and • Continued on page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

26

SOCIETY

Exciting farewell to a princess • Continued from page 25

prayers for the Ponnles, who appeared in stunning white dresses.

The highpoint of the wake-keep was vox populi vox dei on the late Mrs Ponnle tagged "What you know about the deceased."

From friends, church members, professional colleagues, community co-residents to relatives, beneficiaries of MicCom welfare programmes and the late Mrs Ponnle's children, the remarks were awesome.

The Ponnles have touched the lives of all those who spoke in various ways - so they gave different positive sides of the deceased.

Earlier, a live band entertained the gathering with sonorous gospel songs. Choirs of the First Baptist Church, Ada and Ikeja (Lagos) who wore Ankara fabrics rendered soul-inspiring songs that enjoined man to live a good life.

The Ponnles and their in-laws also spoke glowingly about their matriarch.

Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, the late Mrs Ponnle's cousin thanked Prince Ponnle for making her sister who she was. He prayed for the Ponnles.

According to him, markets were closed in Osogbo to celebrate her death because of her achievements.

He jokingly said Prince Ponnle would continue to pay his family dowry on the deceased for bequeathing a noble woman to the Ponnles. This drew laughter from the audience.

The newly installed Ada Community Chairman, Mr Gbenga Adewale, described the late Mrs Ponnle as awesome.

"We will miss her dearly. She ensured our monarch is lifted to grade 'A' traditional ruler. It is unfortunate death took her away when I was installed the community chairman," Adewale said.

Former military governor General Godwin Abe described her as one of the finest women the country ever produced.

"I met her 24 years ago when I was the Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State.

Her contribution to my administration showed that she was special," Gen Abe said.

Saturday 22nd was the D-day. The planning committee ensured no stone was left unturned for a befiting outing, having done well in the last two events.

A giant size canopy was erected at the MicCom House. The clerics sat opposite the guests.

The casket bearing Mrs Ponnle's remains was placed under a specially-built tent surrounded by green and white flowers.

Five monarchs' staffs of office were placed beside the coffin. They included Ooni of Ife, Ataoja of Osogbo, Olona of Ada, Aragbiji of Iragbiji and Towulade of Akinale.

The children of the deceased, led

by Mrs Yetunde Daramola, Biodun Ponnle; Mrs Temitope Imevbore; Kolawole Ponnle and Mrs Bukola Adubi with their spouses shone in beautiful attires.

While the women appeared in fuchsia pink top, George wrapper, jewellry and matching pair of shoes, the men looked cute in wine velvet agbada on top of white buba and sokoto.

They all wore eye glasses.

Prince Ponnle wore a simple all white agbada.

The children mounted the podium one after another to read their tributes.

Mrs Adubi mounted the podium

•From right: Governor Ogbeni Aregbesola; Hon Adeyinka Ajayi; Colonel Theophillus Bamigboye and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola

•Gen Alani Akinrinade

• Chief Olajide Oyewole

• General Godwin Abbe and his wife Patricia

•The Adedayos (Tastee Fried Chicken) and Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi (right)

•Otunba Adekunle Ojora and his wife Erelu Ojuolape

• Chief Dele Ajayi (left) and Prof. Olu Aina

• Prince Adetona and his wfe Alice

first, followed by Kolawole, who came with his wife. He hugged Mrs Adubi before collecting the microphone from her. Dr Imevbore followed suit. Abiodun allowed his son, Moye to read the tribute before Mrs Daramola and her husband rounded it off.

Prince Ponnle capped it for the immediate family.

To him, life will never be the same again.

He said: "I have lost my wife, my sister, my mother, my soul mate and my best friend. We did everything together and I know, without doubt, that I couldn't have had a more loving and loyal companion. The only word to describe what I feel now is 'dissolution'. I always thought we agreed that I would 'die'

Aregbesola prayed for the family and the gathering.

He said his relationship with the Ponnles began in 1989 during one of his political struggles in Lagos.

Aregbesola said he had assisted the MicCom Group, even before he knew Prince Ponnle "with whom I have no problem".

Revd Abayomi Lawal from the Baptist Church, Ikoyi, chided Nigerians, especially clerics, for being materialistic.

Revd Lawal, a native of Ede in Osun State, said, clerics measured their success by the amount of worldly materials accumulated, forgetting Jesus' warning against covetousness.

The remains of the deceased were later carried by Ebony pall

first, but I should have known you would have the last word. You always did. Sometimes, because I let you, often because you insist in your usual way; and nobody in their rightful mind could deny my Olufunke anything."

The Ada Prince thanked her for the "faith and trust we had in each other". "The exemplification we gave to our marriage is a worthy model for the younger generation… this is why we agreed to celebrate you rather than mourn you."

According to him, their 47 years of marriage had magically pulled them together in pain and sorrow, in riches and wealth and in honour and glory till Monday,October 29 when death separated them.

Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf

bearers, who were decked in Aso Oke, gele and abeti-aja cap.

The trio of Maryam Cole, a secondary school leaver, Maria Oladele and Opeyemi Adepoju led the pallbearers to the burial place.

The deceased's family and guests walked gently after them.

The remains of Mrs Ponnle were lowered into the grave within the compound at exactly 2:33pm.

Guests later joined the Ponnles for a lavish reception at MicCom Golf Hotel and Resort.

Ace gospel musician Yinka Ayefele thrilled the mammoth gathering from noon till 9:30pm.

Afro juju star Sir Shina Peters took over from him, playing till day break.

27

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

SOCIETY

• President of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria Mr Segun Aina

•Dr Demola Onifade (right) and Chief Tunde Omikunle

•Mr Wole Ogunleye

• From left: Chief Inaolaji Aboaba; Alhaji Khamis Olatunde Badmus and Sen. Bayo Salami

• Dr Faforiji

•From left: Iyalode of Osogboland, Chief Bernice Kolade; Chief Silifatu Omotosho; Chief Semiat Agboola and Chief Sarat Ajani

• From left: Mrs Toyin Araoye, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, and Mrs Lara Adedeji

• Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo (right) and Sen. Olu Alabi

• Alhaji Mufamil Abdul-Karim (left) and Dr Abdul-Rashid Alanamu

•Mr Bode Adediji and his wife Lara

•A cross section of the grandchildren

• Mr Gboyega Adetona

PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

28

SOCIETY Oluwafisayo Johnson of The Nation newspaper married his lovebird former Miss Mosunmola Johnson, who works at Lekki Concession Company (LCC) at the Christ the King Church, Apapa last Saturday. ABIKE ADEGBULEHIN witnessed it.

T was moments of happiness in the life of the lovebirds as relatives came from far and near to celebrate with the duo.

Oluwafisayo Johnson of The Nation tied the nuptial knot with former Miss Mosunmola Johnson, who works at Lekki Concession Company (LCC) at the Christ the King Church, Apapa.

The bride smiled as she walked down the aisle alongside her father, Mr Babatunde Johnson into the church.

All stood still to welcome the bride.

Having been welcomed and received by the waiting groom, the couple and the officiating ministers moved to the upper podium for the solemnisation.

Led by Venerable Caxton Akingbesote, the couple was taken through the rituals of solemnisation.

The cleric urged them to love each other and hold unto the Lord.

"Love is what keeps marriage going; hence there should be true love in your life," he said.

The sermon was followed with the joining of the couple and signing of the marriage register.

The couple were then pronounced man and wife and presented to the congregation. This was followed by a shout of halleluiah and praise songs.

The recessional hymn I'm pressing on the upward way was taken as the couple marched out.

There ensued a photographic session; everyone posed for pictures outside the church with the couple.

The train moved to Abayomi Awodi- Ora Hall, Cardoso Street, Oregie for the reception.

It was like a dancing competition between the newlyweds, as they danced into the hall.

The couple was led into the hall by the confetti women who looked gorgeous in their attires.

I

•From left: Bride’s father Mr Babatunde Johnson; groom’s mother Deacones Ebun Johnson; Prof Abisogun Leigh; the couple Fisayo and Mosunmola; groom’s father Rev Oluremi Johnson and bride’s mother Mrs Temitope Johnson PHOTO SOLOMON ADEOLA

'He is loving and caring' Mosunmola looked dashing in her white wedding gown. She stole the day with her dance steps which was also complemented by her husband in his radiant ash suit, a shirt and a gold tie.

The hall was ornately decorated with green and orange.

Prayer by Elder Adebabo kicked started the reception.

The chairman of the occasion, Mr

Ade Odunewu congratulated the couple.

Odunewu, The Nation Executive Director, Finance and Administration, urged the couple to respect each other's opinion.

"In this journey you are starting, strive to strengthen that love, you have to have faith and believe in yourself. Whatever decisions you are making should not exclude one

another and avoid third party and make God the pillar of your marriage," he said.

The couple marched in one accord to cut the three-step cake of orange, cream and green by calling the name of Jesus, sealing it with kisses.

Mosunmola knelt down to feed her husband while the groom also fed his wife amidst the paparazzi

of camera flashes.

Monsumola, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), described her husband as patient, accommodating, loving and caring while Fisayo described his wife as an all in one woman.

The bride's father, who looked glittering in his agbada, was overwhelmed.

"I thank God for making today a reality. I pray they will live long, God should grant them the fruit of their marriage," he said.

The guests were entertained with lovely music's from Yankees band.

Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital, was in celebration mood last Saturday during the wedding fatiha of Air Commodore Ayuba Buhari's daughter, Halima and her beau, Mahmoud Ibrahim Mahmoud. AKEEM ALAWOKI reports.

‘She’s a treasure’

I

T was love at first sight when Halima and Mahmoud met in March. They met through Halima's cousin in Abuja.

Since then, it has been love all the way. Their courting was not long. For them, nine months was enough to seal their relationship.

Their marriage was solemnised at Balogun Gambari's compound, Air Commodore Ayuba Buhari's ancestral home in Ilorin, last Saturday.

The compound was filled to capacity; guests from far and near gathered to share in their joy and celebrate with them on their wedding fatiha.

Both the wedding Fatiha and reception were performed in the Traditional Title Hall. The decoration was colourful and attractive.

The day's colour was pink on white as the alternate.

The Nikkah was coordinated by a notable Islamic figure in Ilorin, Sheikh Dan Borno.

He admonished the couple to be steadfast, honest and committed to making the union a successful and blissful one.

He reminded the couple that perseverance remained the bedrock to a happy home.

The cleric then performed the Islamic rites of marriage (AqidunNikkah) after the groom had paid the bride price.

The couple confessed that they were lucky meeting each other

when they did and thanked the Almighty God for guiding them and prayed for His continued blessings.

Mahmoud described his lovebird as a treasure.

An excited Halima could not even summon the courage to pretend as with most women on such occasion.

The bride's father Air Commodore Ayuba Buhari said the success or failure of the marriage is primarily determined by the couple.

He stressed that they should find in themselves all the companions, advisers and friends they will need in their journey.

"They do not need their parents, brothers, sisters, friends and families to intercede in their affairs any longer. They are everything to each other henceforth," he said.

Buhari then wished them success in their conjugal journey.

He reminded them not to forget that marriage is not full of roses hence they should be focus and prayerful in the face of challenges.

The event was well graced by top military brass, politicians of note and industrialists, business men.

In attendance were Air Vice Marshal Balogun; Air Commodore Idowu; Senator Sanni Saleh; Muhammed Dele Belgore (SAN); Chief Segun Odegbami, and others.

•The couple Halima and Mahmoud

• From left: Senator Sanni Sale; Air Commodore Buhari; Chief Odegbami and Group Captain Dangana

29 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

Vol 4. No. 1782

2012 IN REVIEW

The year has had its up and down times. It started on a wrong note with the nationwide strike crippled the economy. The future looked grey.

In the mist of the trials and tribulations came a glimmer of hope for businesses as the curtain gradually drops on the year, reports RAJI ROTIMI SOLOMON.

T

HE year 2012 has been productive and successful, with its gains and losses. Though the year started on a sad note, Nigerians were greeted with the subsidy removal declaration by the Federal Government.

The malignant action threw the country into prolonged pandemonium, which eventually led to a nation wide strike.

This time of the year in the corporate world is very crucial because it is time to plan and strategise for the year. But Nigerians where experiencing economy shut-down, political tension, Boko Haram insurgence among others.

The future of the year looked bleak, every sector of the economy was affected, and the advertising industry was not left out. Most companies cut-down on their advertising budget; some even dropped their contracts with their agencies, many advertising agencies had to down-size.

Though these were the ugly sides of the year, the brighter side over shadowed it. The industry churned out lot of creative works ranging from TV commercials to radio jingles to captivating billboards and so on. Brands came out in different styles, in the banking industry. Diamond Bank came out with a new

• Brands

Brand 2012: The story so far logo which stirred up controversies.

The success story of Legend extra stout from the stables of Nigeria Breweries, won the quality Gold Monde awards. In the telecoms sector, Airtel was recognised as the network with excellent customer care services.

MTN came out with the highest price for promo during its Ultimate Wonder promo, as they offered an aeroplane or equivalent in cash. With the doubts that followed the ridiculous offer, MTN was able to redeem their pledge as they mesmerised the people. In the food category, Indomie’s song of mama do good ooooo became an award

winning jingle.

Furthermore the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) awards pronounced Insight Communication the best agency of the year. Marketing Edge brand personality awards conferred Enyi Odigbo, Chief Executive Officer Caser’s Group, as the brand personality of the year. Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), celebrated its 20th year anniversary. Brandpower awards also recognised Brand changers and Vintage brands.

Despite the odds against them advertisers and agencies still weathered the storm of the year. Flood was another impediment that dis-

rupted progress in the year’s success. Speaking with an industry expert, ace journalist and publisher of the Marketing Edge magazine John Ajayi, said: “Year 2012 has been a mix bag, full of ups and downs. The first quarter of the year didn’t look too good; there was struggle in the industry. Most companies cut-down on campaign and promotional budget. Some companies like Globacom owed different outdoor advertising agencies millions of naira which almost crippled the agencies and not just that alone, started their own in-house agency that now handles their adverts and all. But by the second quarter stability came into play.”

‘Year 2012 has been a mix bag, full of ups and downs.

The first quarter of the year didn’t look too good; there was struggle in the industry. Most companies cut-down on campaign and promotional budget’

2012 in retrospect shows that with all the odds on the side of the industry it still managed to blossom.

If only there was a hitch-free situation, there would have been more success stories recorded.

Though there’s never a hitch-free situation but at least we can project for an enabling environment for year 2013. According to John Ajayi “if only the economic reforms promised by the government are executed, then the industry would experience exponential growth.

Take for instance power, if we can achieve stable power supply, more manufacturers would cut down on cost of production and would eventually make them focus on advert campaigns.

“It is a chain effect situation; good facility gives birth to higher quality production worthy of advert which results to high patronage of advertising practitioners. We look forward to a better and brighter year in 2013, and I believe that as long as governments implement their reform policies and advertising practitioners tap into it then we would have a blissful year at the end of 2013.”

With expectancy we look forward to an exciting, productive and fulfilling year ahead. Happy New Year.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

30

Brandnews

A union for Lagos mega concert N

IGERIAN Breweries Plc., makers of Star lager beer, is partnering with the Lagos State Government to host the first-ever Lagos Cross Concert on December 31. The concert, which is being tipped to be the biggest in Africa, will feature some of the biggest stars in the country including Tuface Idibia, acts from the EME crew; Wiz kid, Skales, Shaydee, Niyola and Banky W, artistes from the Mavin crew with the likes of Wande Coal, D’ Prince.

Other artistes that will be part of the Lagos Cross Over Festival are Tiwa Savage, Omawunmi, Burna boy amongst others.

The Cross Over Festival is expected to kick-off on the eve of

At this time of the year, most brands close shop to take stock of the outgoing year. They do this for strategic reasons, but for Star, Nigeria’s number one premium lager beer, being number one comes with its challenges. The main thing is staying ahead of the competition, writes WALE ALABI the new year and usher in the new year. In addition to the exciting array of artistes lined up for the event, the venue is another reason that will make the concert stand out. The concert will be held at the Eko Atlantic City, just beside the majestic Atlantic Ocean that was once the Bar Beach.

An added twist to the festivities is the Star Mega City. For the 12 days leading to the Lagos Crossover Festival, revellers will be treated to fun and excitement at the Lagos Mega City. The series of activities will see upcoming artistes, comedians and other acts thrilling the audience. There

would also be dancing competitions and raffle draws that will see lucky winners smiling home with fantastic instant prizes.

The Star Mega City was opened

by Governor Babatunde Fashola last week. Since its opening the village has been a beehive of activities with fun seekers trooping in to enjoy themselves.

While calling on Lagosians to visit the Star Mega City, Governor Fashola added that the crossover concert was a perfect way for fun-seekers to end the year.

“I must say the Star Mega City is a unique concept. The exciting thing about it is that it is exploring the tourism potential of Lagos State. I want to urge Lagosians from all walks of life to be at the Star Mega City and then at the Crossover Concert on the evening of December 31, as it will be the perfect way to end the year,” Governor Fashola said.

Corporate Affairs Adviser of Nigerian Breweries Plc. Mr Yusuf Ageni lent credence to Governor

Fashola’s speech. In his words, “Lagos holds a special place in the heart of Star, as well as Nigerian Breweries. Thus there was the need for the company to contribute something special to the state at this time.”

He added: “Nigerian Breweries started its first operations in Lagos and it was also in Lagos that Star, Nigeria’s first locally brewed and longest surviving lager beer brand was born. So, we have a special bond with Lagos State. That was why we decided to get involved in the festival.”

According to Ageni, the 12 days of celebrations at the Star Mega City would be filled with ample entertainment as the year winds to a close. “Star Mega City was opened just to spread the values that Star is all about, which is fun and excitement. We will have live music, comedy, dancing and DJ’s who would all be present to thrill revelers non-stop. After the Mega City celebrations, we will move on to the Crossover concert,” he enthused.

Encouraging Lagosians to take advantage of the event, Ageni said the Lagos concert was designed to bring Year 2012 to a grand end. “We just want Nigerians from all walks to life to enjoy the moment. Yes, there may have been challenges in the course of 2012, but we are all still alive and there is every reason to Shine On,” he concluded.

LG Electronics wins award

L

• Some instant gift prizes winners pose at the Star Mega City jam

Professional bodies urged to emulate PRCAN

M

ARKETING communications guru Mr Biodun Sobanjo, has praised the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) for its commitment to the professional upliftment of its members.

Sobanjo, who is Chairman, Troyka Group, urged other associations to emulate what he described as a “fantastic gesture” by PRCAN. He spoke when the group visited The Quadrant Company, a member of the Troyka Group, following its declaration as the “African Consultancy of the Year”, courtesy of industry tracker The Holmes Report.

A PRCAN member-firm,The Quadrant Company, is Nigeria’s oldest public relations consultancy firm. It won in a competi-

By Wale Alabi

tion that involved distinguished agencies such as Arcay, Gina Din, Hill & Knowlton and Porter Novelli.

Sobanjo acknowledged the zeal and commitment of PRCAN leaders, especially the President, Dr Phil Osagie, who is the pioneer Chief Executive of The Quadrant Company and the immediate past President, Mr Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, Chairman of C&F Porter Novelli.

He said with the passion for the profession demonstrated by the PRCAN executive committee members and other member-firms, the future of the public relations practice in Nigeria is, indeed, bright.

PRCAN Vice President, Mr

Chido Nwakanma,who led the three-member delegation to the Troyka Group, said the top ranking of The Quadrant Company represents an endorsement of the standard of public relations practice in Nigeria.

He said: “The Quadrant Company set the tone for the emergence of full service public relations agencies in modern business communication in Nigeria, and it is fitting that TQC is getting this recognition in its 20th year.

“TQC has come of age as has public relations consulting in Nigeria.

Your award validates the claim we make in PRCAN that public relations practice in Nigeria ranks with the best and is available under the umbrella of PRCAN member agencies. We, at PRCAN, congratulate you on this achievement.”

G Electronics, a global leader in consumer electronics and home appliances, has won the 2012 Most Trusted Brand Award as the most trusted home appliance brand in Nigeria.

The award was awarded by BrandHealth in recognition of LG Electronics’ innovative products that have made quality home appliances available to Nigerians.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of BrandHealth, Mr Emman Udowoima, said: “Going by the research we conducted, the LG brand is undisputedly the most trusted home appliance brand in Nigeria. LG has distinguished itself going by the array of quality products it has on of-

Mouka rewards distributors

I

N the bid to appreciate the good works of its partners, leading manufacturer of mattresses, Mouka Limited has rewarded its numerous distributors across the country in the annual Mouka distributors’ End-of-Year

Etisalat endorses award at NMMA

I

N line with its reputation as one of Nigeria’s innovative telecommunications brands, Etisalat Nigeria, has endowed a brand new award category in the annual Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA).

The company announced the new category known as the ‘Etisalat Nigeria Prize for the Most Innovative Reporter of the Year’ at the 22nd edition of NMMA held at Eko Hotels & Suites, presenting a N10,000,000 cheque to the NMMA lifetime endowment fund for the award category.

According to the company, the new category was inspired by its vision to encourage, celebrate and invest in young journalists and broadcasters who worked distinctively and creatively. It was also stated that the first recipient will be rewarded in 2013.

Speaking on the development, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Steven Evans said: “As innovation is core to Etisalat’s business strategy, we seek to promote innovation among our various stakeholders including the media.

Creativity and innovation drive

development, so we believe creative talents should be nurtured and innovation celebrated. Skill and innovation are also distinguishing virtues of excellent journalists and broadcasters. The Etisalat Prize for the Most Innovative Reporter of the Year aims to promote excellence in journalism”.

He emphasised the importance of the media to society, and restated Etisalat’s commitment to recognising reporters who have put creativity, freshness, hard work, honesty and insight into their work, in order to stand out as most innovative.

By Wale Alabi

fer.”

Also speaking, the Corporate Marketing Manager, LG Electronics, Mr Rajesh Agnihotri, said: “We are committed to providing our teeming consumers with first-rate products that meet their peculiar needs. Our responsive posture is what has endeared many to the LG brand.”

The awards is organised annually by BrandHealth, a brands research company. This year’s event was the third edition. It is an initiative developed and executed as a campaign to mobilise Nigerian consumers to ask for accountability from organisations who offer them goods and services.

He said the telecom provider’s effort to foster innovation has driven it to recognise professionals who excel innovatively in their fields, both nationally and in the continent.

“In the same way that we are promoting innovation among the media, in August this year, Etisalat launched the Etisalat Prize for Innovation aimed at promoting innovative products and services or ideas that drive the adoption of broadband in Africa. The winners were awarded their prizes during this year’s Africa Com which took place in Cape Town, South Africa, he said.”

awards party.

The ceremony was organised in Ibadan, Lagos, Benin and Owerri for all Mouka distributors across the country.

At the event in Lagos which attracted the chairman and other members of the Mouka board as well numerous distributors, the Managing Director, Mouka Limited, Mrs Peju Adebajo said awards not only provides the opportunity to reward excellence and performance but also creates an avenue to come together while thanking God for his mercies all through the year.

Mrs Adebajo appreciated the distributors and affirmed that the growth of Mouka business and continued sustenance of the firm is based on their unwavering patronage and support. “We hold our partners and distributors in a high esteem and recognise their key contributions in achieving our mission of adding comfort to lives.”

SHOPPING

31

THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

• Dr Cordelia Ego Uzoezie (second right), Dr Okey Ikechukwu (middle) inspecting the products while others watch.

Shopping in an unusual place The Anambra State Women Development Centre, Awka has turned a shopping centre of sorts. Shoppers have been trooping there to buy products made by students of its skills acquisition centre, ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports. • Story on Page 32

How to know good bed sheets

Page 33

Gateway to commerce

Look stylish with that handbag

Page 34

Page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

32

SHOPPING

I

T is not a market, but it has virtually become one, with people trooping there to shop. Welcome to Anambra State Women Development Centre, Awka, on Enugu-Onitsha expressway, situated after the Government House. The centre has become a market of sorts where handicrafts and edibles are sold. Shoppers, it was learnt, are getting a good deal. The handicrafts were made by students of the skills acquisition centre. The centre is determined to train and empower people to produce and sell their wares.

At times, the centre holds trade fairs to showcaseits products.

Shoppers were seen buying textile, beads, cosmetics, wigs, cakes and confectioneries, information technology wares, household items, arts and crafts, among others.

Would-be couples also came to buy their wedding clothing and accessories. Miss Nneka Udoma, a student of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University was seen moving round the wedding stores. She said: “My fiancé and I decided to check out this place because we heard that they have nice things on offer”.

Mrs Funke Ashiegbu was exploring the interior and exterior decorations stand. She said: “When I first heard that people were shopping here, I did not believe it but now that I have been here, I can tell you that seeing is believing. I am an interior decorator and just coming here, I have found great ideas and useful items for my trade”. I really praise the Ministry of Women Affairs for this initiative”.

With the graduation ceremony of the centre, students showcased the stuff they are made of with the various things they produced.

The principal of the centre, Lady

• Arts and crafts.

• Clothing and textile.

Shopping in an unusual place Nwanneka Dijeh told The Nation Shopping that some of the quality things they make at the centre could not be matched with similar items elsewhere.

Participants have been grouped in various departments such as Catering and Hotel Management; Clothing and Textile/ Fashion Designing; Computer Education; Arts and Crafts as well as Hair Dressing and Cosmetology. Miss Ogunwa Oyibo is the Vice Principal among other professionals who train the students.

Speaking about the centre, Lady Dijeh said: “it took off in the year 1999 but actual teaching started in the year 2000. The initial equipment we were using was donated by the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). Then, 2005 came the mayhem that disrupted the whole system that vandalised almost all the equipment we had in the centre. When the present administration of Governor Peter Obi through his wife, Mrs Margaret Peter-Obi came into office things changed for us.

“That was when Dr Cordelia Ego Uzoezie was the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, we told her about our predicament. She intervened and the government equipped and refurbished this place. For the first time, we graduated 20 students. Then, the proceeding year, we went up to 65. The interest and enthusiasm came from the magnanimity of the government. At the end of the training which is free, the present administration assisted the students by giving them grants and equipment so that when they go back, they

will see something to fall back on. That brought the enrolment to a very high size.

Last year alone, we graduated 25 students and this year, just because the skill acquisition centre has been positioned in all the local governments, we are able to graduate 105 students. Last year it increased to 110 students and keeps increasing.

“You can see that there is a great improvement in trying to help our youths and young women to become employers of labour.

They are now self employed. So, the credit goes to our able and dynamic governor, Mr Peter Obi. “We now have Mrs Henrietta Agbata as our Commissioner and I know we are going to be improving the more”.

In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and social Development, Dr Cordelia Ego Uzoezie, urged them to be good ambassadors of the centre and encouraged them to make use of the good knowledge acquired from the centre as it will improve their lives and those of others around them.

She praised the Governor and his wife for their commitment in giving self-employment and empowerment skills to the young women and youths, which is geared towards realising the innovative ideals of Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS). She revealed that four best students out of the 105 graduating students were empowered with equipment kits while others received cash of N20,000 each to start up something.

While presenting equipment and kits to

empower some participants, wife of the Governor, Mrs Margret Obi advised them to create a positive self impression about themselves and their products by first producing quality products as they strive to establish their entrepreneurial skills.

The chairman of the occasion, Dr Okechukwu Ikechukwu congratulated the outgoing students noting that anybody without skills has no future, particularly now.

He praised Mr Peter Obi for re-equipping and refurbishing the centre which was vandalised.

A humanitarian organisation, United Nations Chaplaincy Group, complemented the state government’s effort by promising to empower the best two graduating students with any equipment kits of their choice. The chief of the chaplaincy, Amb. Dr Jidejesus Josia Ejie said their visit was to fulfill their earlier promise to the centre, which started from Anambra State.

The highlight of the event include: cutting of graduation cake, welcome song, cultural dance, modelling by Clothing and Textile/Fashion and Designing graduates and presentation of prices to the overall best student Miss Chioma Ngumezu who received N50, 000 from Anambra Re-birth and N10, 000 from the state government.

Others are: Ujunwa Chife, Onwuachu Ikechukwu, Oliagba Lilian and Osita Chinelo who received different varieties of empowerment kits from the state government for their outstanding performances in their various departments.

• Cakes on display.

•Cross-section of officials in a pose with some of the students.

33

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

SHOPPING

Shopping Right with

Quality counts

S

• Duvet-polyester

How to know good bedsheets Your bedsheet should make you feel comfortable whenever you lie down. Here are tips from SULIAT LAMID on how to get the right quality, size and colour.

T

HERE are various sizes, colours, styles and patterns of bedsheets. So in buying a bedsheet, the shopper must tread with care.

Before you go shopping, measure your bed carefully, noting the dimension from top to bottom, side to side and the thickness of the mattress; this is necessary because there is no actual size for queen or king size bed, twin or double; whichever one you are using. There is nothing worse than a sheet pulling off the mattress which is the result of an ill-fitting sheet.

It is very important to pick your store carefully. Major departmental stores carry name brand sheets and house-brands and offer a wide range of colours, quality, patterns and prices. You might look for a specialty linen store that has more luxury linen, decorated or embroidered sheets. If you have something specific in mind, shop around.

It is important to notice the thread count; the number of threads woven together in a square inch method to prevent any marketing ploy to get you to buy sheets with a higher count. The higher the threads count the more luxurious the feel of a fabric. If you are not sure what you like, most sheet packages are constructed in such a way that you can open them in the store and feel them.

This is very important because you will be

• Colourful bed sheet

sleeping on these sheets every day. You really do not need to have the higher thread counts unless you want to spend a lot of money. For a good wear and to get the softest feel, it is nice to choose a thread count above 250 but not lower than 175.

For sheet you will sleep on every day, treat yourself; choose the best you can afford.

These days there are different materials like cotton, satin, jersey, flannel and silk. Cotton flannel is a good choice, especially in colder climates. For chilly winter, flannel is cozy.

For luxury, choose satin, silk, or microfiber.

You might buy a pair of pillowcases in different styles and see which you like best, how they feel to sleep on, how they wash.

Then decide if you want a whole set.

When purchasing bed sheet, it is important to note when it can be washed when the need arises. Some sheets do not need washing but drying, so it is always good to be cautious of the instructions on the bed sheet.

Bed sheet can be bought for prices ranging from N10, 000 to N20, 000 depending on the material.

Duvet sets are sold at Jay Z Innovations & Consult at 53, Aderibigbe Street, Surulere, Ikate, Lagos at an affordable price of N12, 000.

You can also get them at Ogosa Creation International located at No 7 Adeoye Street, Lagos.

HOPPING is essential for everyone. The art that goes with it is equally interesting-the perfect environment, tempting treats positioned in just the right places to catch your eye, music, lighting and of course, service.

Service is an attribute of good retailing. The festive season has been replete with lots of shopping. People devote quality time to shop. Do not ask me why. It is just the trend.

I know someone who bought the giant le space (side by side) refrigerator in August and never had the time to explore it until recently. Just last week, he finally stocked it with different items ranging from variety of drinks to food, fruits and groceries. When asked why he ignored it till now, he said: “this is time to celebrate and we must find time to do so because God has been good to JANICE NKOLI IFEME us throughout the year, so we have to thank Him before we enter another year”.

That is the uniqueness of the festive season. perience ought not to be trading. Retailers People endeavour to visit the stores. Chilought to know that the service experience is dren always expect so much from their parthe backbone of shopping. ents, who in turn, would not want to disapWhile visiting some stores, particularly this point them. festive period, I have observed poor, indifThe stores are also ready to serve the shopferent service from a few. This is largely due pers. Many have stocked variety of products to businesses letting loose inexperienced and for the delight of shoppers and even device unmotivated staff on the floor, probably besome measures such as discounts and means cause they needed more of entertainment to hands and had to make do lure shoppers. In times with untrained sales peolike this, many people ple.

‘For me, people who do just trade to make It is easy to get put off profit for the season. I not give a hoot about by the attitude of some call them emergency sales assistants, probably traders. Such people providing an excepbecause so many of them gather any item they tional customer experiare not competent; the feel that shoppers simplest question-do you might need. In many ence ought not to be have this in any other colcases they flock the our or size?, is often met trading.

Retailers ought open markets with with a dumbfounded, their wares. Some to know that the servzombie-like emptiness. even sell fake or subBut venting anger and ice experience is the standard products, all frustration will not help in the bid to make backbone of shopping’ your cause. Build a relaquick money. For tionship and be commusuch people, good nicative, at least, to enable service does not matyou get the best. For inter. Besides, those who patronise them do so stance, the colour of that top that suited you at their own risk. But they must definitely so well in front of the shop mirror might look make their sales because people must patso awkward in front of the bedroom mirror. ronise them.

It is better if you can work on a person to As a shopper, do not get carried away in person basis, especially if that person hapthe frenzy. You need to be cautious and make pens to be someone who can fix your probsure you get quality for your money. lem. Sales assistants are not the automaton For me, this is also a good time to track they might well be taken for and in many down those stores who are not ready to offer stores; theirs could be a thankless job, dealquality service. The fact that more people are ing with demanding, moaning and rude peoout to shop does not mean that stores should ple, so mind your attitude too. However, those render poor service. Actually, this is time for who understand the tricks of the trade will stores to beef up their services, which many reap its fruits. are doing anyway.

Similarly, although some sales staff seemThe shopper is king, so he has to be lured to ingly find it impossible to hand a card or balpart with his money. That does not come easy, ance back to the customer, choosing instead does it? So you sure deserve to be treated to place it on the counter top for the customer with high regard. My take is, do not stand for to collect; do not stoop to their level. And shoddy service. If you are not being served, when paying, put your money in the sale aswalk out. The worst offenders are those who sistant’s hand; they are not diseased. take your money while barely acknowledgMost shop managers have the authority to ing your presence. look after you in different ways and also have Shopping is about much more than a sales the privilege to give a discount, so ask for the transaction and shops that have not got the manager if you feel under-served. message yet ought to get out of the game.

As in life generally, if you do not ask, you Even if the shop itself is 20 years past its last may not get. So you want a discount? There is refurbishment, it is amazing how much we no harm in asking. Chances are, in a chain will forgive if the staff is knowledgeable and store, maybe the manager only is permitted friendly and recognise us as individuals. Not to offer regular or high spending customers far behind are the so-called service profesa discount and then rarely, head office would sionals who, when an item is out of stock, are have set certain rules. But in an independent incapable of offering you any kind of reason, store, the prices are much more flexible. Beconsolation or better still, a viable alternasides, this is a season of discounts, so you are tive. most likely to get one if you show little inFor me, people who do not give a hoot terest. It is even better, now that Christmas is about providing an exceptional customer exover.

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

34

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

SHOPPING

A

FIRST time visitor will mistake it for a market. But Obafemi Awolowo Way, which runs from the front of Ikeja Local Government Secretariat to the State Secretariat in Alausa, is not a market.

Traders have taken over both sides of the road turning it to a hub of commercial activities.

The road is surrounded by shops dealing in various items.

Just by the Ikeja bus-stop is the Computer Village where all kinds of computer soft wares and hard wares are sold. Asides that, there are several companies by both sides of the Awolowo Road selling computers, accessories and stationeries. You also notice road side traders and hawkers displaying their wares, seeking willing buyers.

Surrounding the road are several boutiques displaying all kinds of clothing and accessories for male, female and children.

There are also shops dealing on sports equipment, cosmetics, household items, electronics, generators and virtually everything you could think of.

A shopper, who simply identified himself as Mark, said that anytime he wants to

Gateway to commerce Obafemi Awolowo Way in the heart of Ikeja, the Lagos State capital is a commercial nerve centre of note. Besides, it is the gateway to commerce in Ikeja. The Yuletide has intensified shopping in the area. JANICE NKOLI IFEME reports. buy anything, all he needs do is stroll through Awolowo Road. “If you stroll through this road, I assure you, you will find whatever you want to buy. The only thing is that you have to be careful who sells to you or where you buy so that you do not fall victim to touts. This happens a lot with phone and computer accessories.

So, if you are not careful, you may buy from the wrong person, who might not be in a position to take responsibility if something goes wrong”.

A student of the University of Benin, Miss

• Awolowo road.

Tinuke Bankole, said: “This is where I buy most of the clothes I wear on campus.

Anytime I come to Lagos, I rush to this place (pointing towards the direction of some boutiques) to get myself some nice stuff.

You can find really stylish attires here. You find nice tops, jeans, shoes, bags, jewellery, just anything you want. You met me here because I came to do my holiday shopping.

For me, this place is okay to shop and it is not as rowdy as many places.”

When asked about his experience about shopping on Awolowo Road, Mr Yomi

Alade said. “It would interest you to know that I bought my wedding shoes, ties and shoes here and I am satisfied with everything I bought”.

Despite its numerous stores, there are no rooms for car parks, except for few companies, which have little parking spaces.

The reason is not farfetched- Just like many commercial centres around the Lagos metropolis, the numerous shopping centres erupted out of the necessity to make ends meet and was not originally planned as a commercial centre.

• Some boutiques on Awolowo Road, Ikeja

Look stylish with that handbag Handbags are among the popular accessories in the market because of their high demand by women. The right bag will define a woman’s style and also help her keep her things within arm’s reach. SULIAT LAMID writes.

T

HE handbag is the ultimate fashion statement for most women. To many, it is more valuable than the diamond ring. It is often used to express their style, status, mood and individuality. Most women go for bags that make them stand out in any occasion.

A very important thing to consider while choosing a hand bag is style, colour, brand and the occasion. Your choice will affect you positively or negatively.

The handbag complements your outfit and keeps your belongings (such as your cell phones, purse, organiser, make-up, hair brush) in a stylish way. However, not all styles of women’s handbags suit every occasion. Just like shoes, clothes, jewellery pieces, and make-up; there are occasions which require you to wear certain types of handbags.

Tote bag: This type of bag is large and open, with a handle centered at the top of each side of the bag. Totes are usually made from study cloth, leather, heavy canvas, jute, or heavy nylons. Its medium to large size is perfect for casual occasions like picnic, travelling, or a day out at the beach, which requires you to bring lots of stuff like towels, books, portable umbrellas, spare, clothes, make-up, toiletries, childcare items, beverages, finger food, wallet. A Prada black/ brown leather medium tote bag with gold chain is sold for N13, 000 to N16, 000. Zara blue leather medium handbag with inner purse is sold for N14, 000.

Clutch: This small handbag is perfect for evening occasions such as formal dinner, cocktail parties and clubbing. A night out with some close friends requires minimal fuss and you can easily tuck away your lip gloss, cell phone and cash inside this fash-

ionable accessory. When it comes to clutches, there are many choices of colours to choose from so you can easily choose one that matches the occasion and your outfit. Some designers even offer matching sets of clutches and party shoes for a chic and coordinated look. A red clutch is sold for N6, 900. A clutch purse is sold for N4, 500.

Envelope clutch: An envelope clutch is perfect for an afternoon tea or coffee with your friends, which does not require you to bring a lot of to bring a lot of things. But unlike clutches, envelope clutches are more appropriate for a casual day out rather than an evening occasion. You can match it with a pair of wedge shoes or ballet flats to create a casual yet chic look. A Sunday feast or all girls lunch is the perfect occasion for you to show off your brightly coloured, fun envelope clutch. An envelope clutch is sold at the price ranging from N3, 000 to N8, 000.

Structured satchel: For work, you need a stylish handbag that has enough space for all your office essentials such as stationery, organiser, and business card holder. If a tote is not stylish enough for you, you can opt for a structured satchel. The sturdy, stylish appearance of this particular bag exudes a professional touch. Work bags usually come in neutral colours such as black, khaki and cream but you can always opt for more vibrant colours such as plum, ruby or emerald. A red leather satchel is sold for N 21,000 while a slouchy leatherette satchel is sold for N9, 000.

These different handbags can be bought at Dymphnainez Home of Handbags located at 175A, Moshood Olugbani Street Amodu Tijani Street, Lagos.

• Box clutches, glitters and pearls

• Box clutches, glitters and pearls

• Envelope

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

35

COMMENTARY

“W

HOEVER deviates from my instruction will live a hanging life and be resurrected a blind person in the hereafter” Q. 20:124 Every aspect of human life is a question.

Some are answered positively, some, negatively and some, not answered at all. But there is no unanswerable question in Islam. It is a different matter altogether if one is not pleased with the provided answer. That all-time phenomenal FAITH is known for providing answers even before questions are raised. And that is what distinguishes it from all other religions.

If Islam had just been a dogmatic religion and not a complete way of life, it would have become like other creeds in the world today.

Panel beaters would have worked on it. Painters would have re-sprayed it to their tastes.

Fine artists would have added drawings of beauty to it for marketability. And, then, it would have become an all-comers’ trade fetching money day and night for merchants of fortune.

But this divine religion is like a mighty ocean flowing ceaselessly towards all directions and watering all plants into life through the deltas of adjoining rivers. It will be a suicide bid, therefore, for anybody, government or nation, no matter how technologically advanced, to want to change its course.

Looking at the emergence, the spread and the triumph of Islam in the midst of vicious empires and at a time when might and nothing but might alone mattered, any right-thinking person will surely be amazed by the surviving strategy of this divine religion. How did an unlettered desert man of little means come up with an ideology that captured the world slaves and kings? How did Prophet Muhammad (SAW) become a law giver without any training in a law school? How did he become a General without enrolling in any army? How did he become a scientist without attending any school? How did he become a doctor without undergoing any medical training? How did he become a ruler without receiving any tutelage in politics? And what can be more amazing, historically or contemporarily, than to have all these roles and more combined in a single human being who rose from such a crude background?

These are not questions to be answered with crude abuses or parochial denigration.

The great revolution which the great Prophet of Islam brought into the world cannot but beat the imagination of any sensible mortal being. There were hundreds of Prophets before him. Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Shuayb, Lut, Musa, Isa and a host of others had all come as prophets preaching peace and harmony to mankind. But none was either a General or a scientist or a ruler. Prophets Daud and Sulayman who were kings could though be called Generals in their own right, nevertheless, they were neither scientists nor doctors. Yet, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) who combined all these rare qualities never claimed any miracle by magic wand.

What makes Islam a unique way of life is the uniqueness of Prophet Muhammad’s personality which derived from the uniqueness of the Qur’an as a revealed ‘BOOK’ of Allah.

If the Orientalists who were accusing Prophet Muhammad (SAW) of being a war monger were not ignorant or hypocritical, they would have known that no empire or civilisation has ever emerged or survived in history without fighting wars.

How did such old empires as Mesopotamian, Greek, Assyrian, Macedonian, Persian and Roman emerge? How did the French and the Russian revolutions succeed in the early 19th and 20th centuries respectively? How did European countries become colonialist?

And, even in contemporary time, how did America emerge as the world’s strongest power? Was it just by preaching human rights and democracy? The reality of today as presented by the history of the past has exposed the hypocrisy of yesteryears. Islam has transcended a stage in life when it could be intimidated or blackmailed into surrendering its legitimacy and identity to any spiritual or political charlatan.

When the West talks of democracy today, the impression it gives is that democracy is a Western invention. This is very far from the truth. Despite the lengthy and speculative Platonic theories on democracy and despite the surreptitious claim that Aristotle wrote a constitution for the City State of Athens, the West did not come in contact with democracy practically until it had a political encounter with the Muslims in Spain in the 8th century C. E. And even with that encounter, Europe remained a mere spectator in the field of democracy until expediency brought about what was called ‘Magna Carter’ (Great Charter) in England in 1215 C. E. What the West calls democracy today was

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

The begging questions what Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had called ‘interactive government’ which he practiced as far back as the 7th century. At the time when he established an Islamic State based on Madinah Constitution, the first of its kind in the world, there was no single empire or nation in the entire world without a monarch. If he had not been sincerely focused on the genuineness of his mission, he would have joined the pack by crowning himself a king. But he became the first Head of State and government in the world not called a king because he did not govern like a monarch.

The idea of democracy, which the West came to adopt as its heritage, therefore, is purely Islamic in origin.

As Head of State, the Prophet never imposed any policy on the people without impute from the same people directly or indirectly except such a policy came in form of divine revelation.

In other words, he was neither a monarch nor a despot. And, as a Head of State, he never saw himself as more important than any other citizen or resident in the State. That was why he was so indigent even as Head of State that his household could carry on for months without cooking any food under their roof.

In Islam, democracy is not about voting and governance alone. Rather, it is fundamentally about justice in all its ramifications according to the rule of law. It is about tending the lives of the citizens for the overall good of the nation. It is about providing the needs of the people according to the available resources in the nation. It is about protecting the interest of the weak against the oppression of the strong. It is about managing the wealth of the nation with diligent sense of accountability and utilising such wealth according to conscience. It is about securing the lives of the citizenry in terms of jobs, feeding, shelter, health and education. It is about boosting the horizon of the youths and sharpening their hope against the future. It is about guaranteeing individuals’ adequate income per capital and ensuring a standard life expectancy. Any government that claims democracy without caring about the aforementioned can only at best be oppressive and hypocritical. That was Nigeria’s lot between 1999 and 2012, the continuity of which we had fervently prayed Allah to forbid. But how far has that prayer been accepted is a matter of self examination.

And, today, more than 12 years into the socalled unbroken democracy in Nigeria, are we celebrating or mourning? It seems only the megaphones of the government can answer that question. They are the ones who put Nigeria on a rigmarole pushing it left and right, as it suited them, without a definite destination.

They had once told us that what this country needed was ‘REBRANDING’ which they claimed was the panacea to Nigeria’s chronic disease. And by ‘REBRANDING’ they meant talking well of Nigeria abroad and covering at home the criminal corruption committed by those in government. The campaign for this new found orientation went wild thereby paving way for a junketing jamboree in the name of ‘REBRANDING’. But after funnelling billions of naira to God knows where they changed the tide. Today, the cliché called ‘REBRANDING’ has become history just as the monster called corruption grows bigger and waxes stronger. It is not enough to tell school pupils to do correction in his homework. At least a good teacher must be able to point out the error in his pupils’ work before calling for correction. Governance, like culture, has variety of colours, flavours and tastes.

What is called democracy in a state may amount to despotism in another State.

In Europe today, some of the countries championing democracy around the world are basically monarchical. For instance, countries like Greece, Netherlands (Holland), Belgium, Spain, Sweden and even Britain are all monarchical. Yet these are the same countries that

descended with armed forces on Iraq and Afghanistan pretending to want to ensure the entrenchment of democracy in those poor countries. If absence of democracy was the problem in Iraq and Afghanistan, what problem in the defunct Soviet Union and Yugoslavia led to their breakup? Or were they not said to be democratic? Unlike France, Germany and Italy (which are monolingual), the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia collapsed because of the heterogeneity of their tongues and cultures. This confirms the fact that Western type of democracy can only thrive on common cultural identity.

From experience, it has become evident that governance, whether democratic or monarchical, is fundamentally a function of culture.

And that is why the British constitution is said to be partly written and partly conventional.

Borrowing a foreign culture to practice democracy, as done in Nigeria, is like borrowing another man’s mouth to eat. Into whose stomach will the food go? By the way, has anybody ever tried to find out why the Arab countries are far ahead of the black African countries in growth and development despite the recent political crises in those (Arab) countries?

The answer to this question is simple: Those Arab countries are monolingual and monocultural irrespective of individuals’ religious or ideological differences. Their constitutions are based on the language understandable to the majority of their citizenry and those constitutions are weaved around their common culture. Above all, those constitutions are readily available even to school children who study them in the classrooms as part of the school curriculum.

For instance, based on the law by which those countries are governed, an average Arab policeman will politely warn a citizen not to commit an offence. It is only if the person goes ahead to commit the offence, despite the warning, that he will be arrested and still be warned, but not punished, if he is a first offender. The exception to that however, is when the committed offence is criminal.

In Nigeria, an average policeman of Taraba origin posted to Ogun State will rather hide somewhere and watch you commit an offence that you never knew of its existence only to pounce on you thereafter, arrest you and get you punished severely unless you have the means of greasing his palms. So will a policeman of Osun State origin do if he is posted to Kano or Cross River State. The slogan in our own country is that “the claim of ignorance is no excuse before the law”.

Now, the questions are: which law are we talking about? The laws contained in the constitution proclaimed by an unauthorised cabal in the name of the populace but not made available to the same populace? Who does not know that Nigerian constitution is a mere public luxury which constitutes an instrument of oppression in the hands of the ruling cabal?

To an ordinary Nigerian, that constitution is the real political manacle with which the citizens are fettered to the stake of indefinite servitude.

It might be true that while alive and in power, the late President Yar’Adua proclaimed the rule of law as one of his ‘seven point agenda’ but where was the law which rule was being proclaimed? And who are the people to uphold such law in Nigeria today? Can our legislators and police be trusted with the law which is not available to the public when it took the same legislators several years to pass the ’Freedom of bill into law which sought to entrench democracy?

There are 53 countries in Africa today. Only seven of them are Arab countries. The rest are what the Europeans call ‘black countries’. Of these, only about 10 have not experienced military intervention or civil war within the last half of a century. The colonial devils and their agents have succeeded in creating what the linguists call ‘isogloss’ in various geo-politi-

cal zones in Africa. (An isogloss is an area in which people of diverse, and not mutually understandable languages, settle down for coexistence). Semantically, such areas only connote cultural confusion. And that is what Europeans thrive on by using their African agents to enslave the black populace perpetually.

There is no single Arab country in Africa not colonised by the Europeans. Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Mauritania were French colonies. Libya was an Italian colony. Sudan was a British colony. And Egypt, which was once an empire and a cradle of civilisation was colonized by both France and Britain at different times. But despite their colonisation and the recent political agitations in those countries, how do they maintain political sanity?

Even among black African countries, how do Senegal, Kenya and Tanzania maintain their democracy for about half a century without military intervention where Nigeria became a haven for military coups?

Today, Arab countries in Africa are nations (not mere countries) and they enjoy the benefits of being nations. What is more interesting is that not all these Arab countries are Republics. Morocco, for instance, is a monarchy but she thrives effectively in her own version of monarchical democracy. Citizens of Arab countries are highly patriotic and can die fighting for the good name of their nations. They are not as agitated for self-aggrandisement as citizens of the black African countries because most of their social needs are met by their governments. And when there is any disagreement on policy or ideology they resort to their culture for solution.

If such a disagreement should occur in Nigeria, to which culture will our government resort; the British colonial culture or the American constitutional culture? This shows why the black Africans always resort to the use of guns in settling their internal differences to the delight of their colonial masters? With a situation like this, how can Nigeria ever dream of becoming a nation when even ordinary National Identity Cards took years of massive embezzlement to produce for citizens?

Yet our rulers are calling for patriotism through ‘RE-BRANDING’ by chanting slogans and by distributing T-shirts and logos as if those are what the citizens need for survival.

The Amnesty International keeps crying over an average of 350 Nigerians dying of hunger daily. And our government keeps asking us to chant ‘RE-BRANDING’ slogan and wear its logo to create the impression abroad that things are normal with us at home. Who is deceiving who? What a country? What a government? By citing the example of the Arabs here, I am not advocating for Arab democracy. It is not compatible with our own culture. But having surrendered to a common destiny, we can sit down together as a people and forge a common language as a first step towards a common culture. That was how Urdu and Swahili languages emerged.

When people of different tribes and tongues are forcefully fused together without thinking of a common identity, the tendency is for multidimensional crises to remain with them perpetually. The only panacea however is genuine federalism which ought to have been fully adopted to enable every tribe or region conduct its own affairs according to its cultural pace. Prophet Muhammad had long warned against misplacement of trust by saying: “When trust is misplaced fundamentally, expect the end of time”. Is this not manifest in the current unprecedented corruption wrapped in deceptive campaign in Nigeria?

How else can a government pursue shadow while leaving substance behind? To continue to pretend that nothing is fundamentally wrong with Nigeria democratically is like hiding behind one finger after stripping oneself naked. Hundreds of thousands of able bodied young men and women are jobless. Thousands of retired aged citizens who are qualified to pray effectively for the country are being corruptly deprived of their legitimate entitlements and our government is spending trillions of naira to sustain the ruling class in power. For how long can this continue?

“Allah does not change a people’s lot unless they refrain from their iniquities. If He (Allah) decides to afflict them with tribulation, no one can ward it off. Besides Him, there is no protector them”. Q. 13:11. If 12 years cannot stabilize democracy, what magic can push Nigeria into the group of 20 best economies in eight years time as now being projected? Food for thought you may call this. Yes! Food for thought it is indeed.

Note: More about ‘Madinah Constitution’ vis a vis Magna Carter, Habeas Corpus and American constitution may be published in this column next Friday, God willing.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

37

SOCIETY

When ‘true love’ wins The pool side of NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, came alive with praises and merry-making after the solemnisation of the marriage between Maxwell Uhakheme and Katherina Ekeji, reports CHINASA EKEKWE. Y dear friends, you have come together in this church so the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of the church's minister and this community. Christ abundantly blessed this love. He has already consecrated you in baptism and now He enriches and strengthens you by a special sacrament so that you may assume the duties of marriage in mutual and lasting fidelity."

These words from the presiding parish priest, Rev. Father Chris Inegbendion, set the tone for the Eucharistic celebration and solemnisation of holy matrimony between Katherina Ekeji and Maxwell Uhakheme at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.

After declaring their consent to be husband and wife, the couple, who are medical doctors in the United States expressed their profound love in the presence of God and his people. Bishop Ansalem Umoren was the chief celebrator.

The Holy Mass was followed by a colourful reception, which took place at the pool side NICON Luxury Hotel, Garki, Abuja.

Guests were treated to sumptuous meals.

The father of the groom, Mr Gregory Uhakheme, described the wedlock as a product of a longtime relationship founded on true love.

For him, there is no place for tribal or ethnic sentiment where there is true love.

"That is what has happened between Maxwell and Katherina.

The marriage knew no tribe or ethnic affiliation. As an Edo man,

“M

•From left: Groom’s father Mr Uhakheme; bride’s mother Mrs Ekeji; the couple Maxwell and Katherina; groom’s mother Mrs Vera and bride’s father Dr. Ekeji

I relate with everyone as equal irrespective of ethnic group because Edo state is a mini-Nigeria where tribes and tongues differ," Uhakheme said.

Father of the bride, DirectorGeneral, National Sports Commission, Dr. Patrick Ekeji, was full of thanks and praises to God for making his daughter's wedding a huge success.

Ekeji said to bring together such calibre of Nigerians meant that he is a man of the people.

He noted that it was only ideal to choose House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Hon Emeka Ihedioha as chairman of the wedding because he also chaired the wedding of Katherina's twin sister earlier in the year.

Guests in attendance included former Head of Service, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdulahi; former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro; former Minister of Information, Prof Dora Akunyili; president of Nigerian Olympic Committee, (NOC), Alhaji Sanni Ndanusa; Prof Smart Uhakheme; Mrs Josephine Uhakheme; Dr. Patrick Oludare; Mrs. Omolade Oludare; Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed and Mr Cyril Anyanwu.

Others were President-General, Nigerian Football and Others Sports Supporters Club Worldwide, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo; Dr. Taiwo Avbayeru; Air Vice- Marshal Ben Olu Obadan (rtd); Mr. Funso Osoro; Bishop Pandit Oburekin; Mrs. Violet Oburekin; Dele Avbayeru and Emmanuel Imonide.

• From left: Cyril Anyanwu, Oronsaye and Okiro

• From left: Abdulahi; a guest and Ihedioha

XMAS CAROL

UNION OF LOVE BIRDS

• From left: Mr Larry Ettah, Group Managing Director, UAC of Nigeria Plc; Mrs Maureen Ige; Mr Taye Ige, Managing Director, HotSports Nigeria Limited and Venerable Yemi Agbelusi, Archdeacon of Opebi Archdeaconry of the Anglican Communion and Vicar, Anglican Church of Ascension, Opebi, at the HotSports Carol in Lagos.

•Director-General, Publicity, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr Idowu Ajanaku (left); the couple Mr and Mrs Akinseinde and Mrs Biodun Ajanaku during a wedding at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM), Onike, Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

38

CELEBRITY The Action Congress of Nigeria Lagos State Chairman, Otunba Henry Ajomale's son, Oladipo got married to Tobechukwu Ikeora at the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, last Saturday. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

A union across the Niger

T

HE crème de la crème were there in large numbers. Political titans, mostly from Lagos, converged on the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral in Ikeja, Lagos, last Saturday for the union of Oladipo Olayinka, son of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Lagos State Chairman, Otunba Henry Ajomale and Tobechukuwu Cynthia Ikeora.

The weather was clement. There was heavy human and vehicular traffic movements in and out of Oba Akinjobi Road, Ikeja, GRA where the church is located. Security men moved up and down to ensure everything went well.

Officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) controlled traffic. They were assisted by the Police.

The wedding took place on the 10th anniversary of their relationship which began on December 22, 2002. They wedded on December 22.

Oladipo said their relationship began in secondary school. To him, he only wanted her as a friend but to her it was something else. And God was on their side; their friendship ended in marriage. Their cultural differences did not stop them from taking their relationship to the next level.

The Lord Bishop of Lagos Diocese Most Rev Adebola Ademowo was in charge of affairs before he left for another assignment. The Dean of the Cathedral, Ven James Adedeji, completed the wedding.

Ven Adedeji gave the couple the ABC of marriage. "You must learn to accept each other; when you accept each other, you will be able to live together; you must be committed with this marriage, keep your marriage intact, don't allow intruders and you must celebrate your love".

After his sermon, the marriage register was signed. The couple's parents moved to the altar together with the couple to sign. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola together with his wife, Dame Abimbola witnessed the ceremony.

Afterwards, the new couple were presented to the congregation as husband and wife amid a resounding halleluiah. They danced to appreciate God for the success of the wedding.

They posed for pictures outside.

The governor was the first to take a shot with the couple.

In no time, the bridal train moved to the All Seasons Plaza on Lateef Jakande Road Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos for the reception.

At the venue, cars were parked according to class. There were three parking spaces. They did these to ensure there was no traffic snarl on the roads. The hall was ornately decorated in white and ash. The tables and chairs wore the same colour.

The reception was anchored by Deji Balogun and Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele. Chief Raimi Daramola gave the opening prayer.

All stood still to welcome the new couple. They danced to the tunes of music played by Juju maestro Chief Ebenezer Obey.

Lagos Deputy Governor Mrs. Joke Orelope-Adefulire gave the word of exhortation. She urged the couple to do things together and not to allow intruders in their conjugal life.

"You have to submit to your husband, submit in a very loving way," she said. I want to encourage you to live together, do things together,

• The couple Oladipo and Tobechukwu flanked by Governor Fashola (left); Hon Ikuforiji and Dame Fashola

•Senator Mamora

• Groom’s parents: Chief and Mrs Ajomale

•Bride’s parents: Mr Tony Ikeora and his wife Chika

•Ogun State Deputy Governor Prince Segun Adesegun and wife

•Senator Tinubu and Mr Adefulire

•Mr Wale Edun and wife

•Senator Solomon and Chief Kemi Nelson

pray together and do everything together".

Mrs Fashola supervised the cutting of cake.

Seyi Ajomale and Bukunmi Adefulire gave the toast.

An elated Oladipo, a law graduate of the Lagos State University, said the day was his best.

"It is the best day of my life; it is overwhelming. We have been together for 10 years, today happened to be our tenth year anniversary of courting, since then we have been friends, so it is like am getting married to a friend," he said.

The bride, Tobechukwu, a graduate of Accounting from the Covenant University, described the day as her happiest.

"I am happy and grateful to God; my husband is my soul mate, he is the love of my life," she said.

The groom's father, Chief Ajomale said he was happy to see his son get married. He prayed God

to grant them peace and good children.

"Well I am very happy, I have known the two of them and I know that by God's Grace the day will come and am happy that they eventually tied the knot. they are the ones that they I know they have been courting for so long right from secondary school days. I know that God has a hand in it and I have not seen young generation that court for so long, but they done and they made me proud and I thank God for them," he said.

He enjoined them to take after him and their mother.

"My advice is that they should be like their father and mother," he said.

The bride's mother Mrs Chika Ikeora wished the couple a blissful conjugal life.

"I wish them joy, success sound health they will r0 ise and they will never fall," she prayed.

The dignitaries in attendance in-

cluded Ogun State Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun; Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; member House of Representatives representing Oshodi/ Isolo Federal Constituency, Hon Maruf Akinderu-Fatai; Elegushi of Ikateland Oba Saheed Elegushi; Cardinal James Odunmbaku; Asiwaju Olorunfemi Bashorun; Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Segun Ogunlewe; Hon Wale Oshun Prophet J. O Fakeye among others.

Among others guests were Prince Tajudeen Olusi; ACN National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Muhammed; Ondo State ACN Governorship candidate Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); ACN Director of Publicity South West Hon Ayo Afolabi; Chairman ACN Ekiti State, Chief Jide Awe; Rev Tunji Adebiyi; Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Dr Leke Pitan; Lagos State Commissioner for

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Ade Ipaye; Chairman Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, Hon Bolaji Muse-Ariyoh; Chief Chris Ikwilo; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga; former Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Jokotola Pelumi and Mr Abubakar Tahir.

Also were Chief Kemi Nelson; Dr Sina Fawole; Chief Funso Ologunde; Mr Ayo Afolabi; Chief Pius Akinyelure; Chief Raheem Daramola; Chief Abiodun Sunmola; Chief Akani Seriki; Mr Sola Abayomi; Mrs Bimpe Akinsola; Anifowose Denge; Idowu Obasa; Ademola Sodiq; Alhaji Kabiru Muhammed; Mr Wale Edun and his wife; Lagos State's Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Kayode Opeifa; Mrs Toun Adediran; Mr Dele Alake; Alhaji Ganiyu Badmus; Segun Olulade and Primate Charles Odugbesi among others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

39

SOCIETY COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

The wedding between Miriam Ndikanwu of The Nation and Daily Independent’s Ekene Okoro has taken place in Lagos.

AMIDU ARIJE, DAMILARE OSHOPALE and JUMOKE IDOWU report.

Which is the best teacher, experience or observation?

T

HEY were assigned by their media organisations to the Lagos State Governor's Office as correspondents.

When they met, they never knew their journey together would end in marriage. Miriam Ojoshimiteh Ndikanwu and Ekene Chukwuma Okoro's four-year relationship ended in holy matrimony at the Redeeming Love Chapel, Satellite Town, Alakija, Lagos.

Family members, friends and colleagues were on hand to rejoice with them.

Their joy knew no bounds as they walked down the aisle.

Ekene beamed with smiles all day. His better half, Miriam, could not contain her joy.

The bridal train moved from the church to the Navy Town Sailing Club Navy Barracks, Alakija Satellite Town, Lagos for the reception.

Guests were resplendent in the chosen pink ash colour attire.

'I love my life; 'Azonto' by Fuse ODG had guests who were waiting for the beginning of the reception wriggling on their seats.

Just before the reception, photographs were taken at the open ground of the Sailing Club.

When the trumpet was blown to herald the arrival of the couple, it was like a dancing competition between the newlywed, as they danced into the hall.

The hall was ornately decorated with silver and pink.

The couple was led into the hall by the confetti ladies who looked gorgeous in their attires and the groom's men who were also very good looking in their black suits.

All stood to welcome the couple.

The groom danced vigorously to the surprise of everyone exhibiting different dance steps.

Prayer by Revd Jim Okoro kicked started the reception. The braking of kolanut as is the tradition in Igboland signified the beginning of the reception.

The occasion, chaired by Dr Albert Oikelome, witnessed a large turnout of guests from far and near.

The Nation's News Editor, Mr Niyi Adesina led the newspaper's • team.

Dr Oikelome thanked God for the success of the wedding. He advised the couple to communicate and live together with the fear of God. Shortly after his speech, the couple marched in one accord to cut the three-step cake of blue and silver.

Miriam knelt to do her first assignment by feeding her husband while the groom also fed his wife under the light of camera flashes.

Revd Okoro advised that they should make the Bible their guiding manual. He stressed that love is the bond that keeps marriage going; hence there should be true love in their life.

The couple with their parents, families and friends posed happily for photographs.

The groom, Ekene described his wife as a beautiful package.

"I can't wait for our life to start, she is my best friend, a kind hearted person and very God fearing, she is just the woman of my dreams, she is a full package; she is my missing rib".

The bride, Miriam also described her husband as a genius and very intelligent.

"If there is anything that would have attracted me to him, it is because he is an intelligent man," she

E

•The couple Miriam and Ekene

‘We found love on the beat’

• Groom’s parents Chief Okoro and his wife Edith

•Representative of the bride’s parents Chief Ukubiehi and Mrs Okakwu PHOTOS: OMOSEHIN MOSES

said.

The bride's uncle, Mr Benson Ukwubeni, was overwhelmed with joy.

"I thank God for making today come true, I pray they live long, God should give them the fruit of their marriage" he said.

He advised them hold themselves together and tolerate each

other.

"They should hold themselves together and tolerate what ever happen in life" he said.

The groom's father, Mazi Mbonu Okoro was very excited for the day. He prayed God to bless the couple. He advised them to communicate and hold firm to the teachings of the Bible.

XPERIENCE is probably the most valuable asset in the world today. It is the accumulation of knowledge or skill through direct participation in events or activities. The quality AMODU LANRE OLAOLU (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. of experience is mostly determined by the duration of exposure to those particular events or activities. Hence, it is safe to say that the longer the participation, the more valuable the experience. It is an understatement that experience takes precedence over certificate. No matter the class of result an applicant presents during an interview, he or she would still be required to prove competence in handling real life situations. I once heard that a particular employer turned down First Class graduates because of the perception that they were more theoretically inclined. Some employers even state some specific years of experience required of the applicants in their advertisements. This sometimes discourages young school leavers who wonder how they will ever acquire the experience if they are not employed in the first place.

The major selling quality of a curriculum vitae is the list of relevant experiences contained therein. Some people come highly recommended because their reputations precede them. If you need the services of a doctor or a lawyer, your first inquiry would be about their past records in handling similar cases. Would you ever go to a doctor who is trailed by a long list of deaths? Would you go for a lawyer who has never won a case? No! All these show us the importance of experience.

Observation, on the other hand, is the process of learning by noticing or paying attention to events or activities. To observe, one must take a patient look at something and gather facts about it. While experience requires participation, observation requires concentration. A lot of the things we know about our world today were learnt through observation. Children learn from their parents through observation.

Apprentices learn a lot from their masters through observation. Culture is mostly transferred through observation. Fashion is imbibed through observation. We understand nature and the changes in weather through observation.

One of the importances of observation is that we learn from other people's mistakes. It may amount to stupidity to make our own mistakes when examples abound around us. For instance, do I have to engage in drunk-driving before I know its consequences? There are several circumstances in which experiences are not desirable.

Which, then, is the better teacher, experience or observation? You may have your view about this, but I believe neither can substitute the other. Each has its place and time. I will, however, suggest that observation should precede experience. Learn from existing facts first, and then determine the experiences you want to expose yourself to. It may amount to unnecessary exposure to risk, if you crave experience at the expense of observation.

In public speaking, observation is very important in the process of learning. There are some experiences you cannot afford to have. Would you rather lose a major business account due to poor presentation?

Would you prefer to deliver an incoherent speech before an audience?

Would you want to be "clapped off the stage" because of bad performance? If you are like most people I know, your answer to these questions would be "No!" Experiencing the scenarios above may lead to the audience losing confidence in the speaker, or the speaker developing low self confidence. Whichever way, it may affect future speaking opportunities.

If you want to become a good public speaker, you must pay attention to everyone making a presentation around you. Some people are so 'self confident' that they rarely listen to others speak. Some others are too self-conscious that while they await their turn to speak, they fail to listen to or learn from previous presenters. Public speaking is mainly an art, hence, it is dynamic. It is, therefore, important for you to always pay attention. Here are four suggestions of what to look out for when others are presenting: • Introduction: the introduction of any speech determines whether the audience would be interested or not. If the speaker does not capture their attention with the first few words, he or she may spend the entire duration of the presentation trying to do so.

• Audience relations: how does the speaker establish a relationship with the audience? Understanding and winning the audience is one of the greatest feats in public speaking.

• Mastery of the subject: whoever stands to make a presentation must have the right to do so. The audience would want to know how much the speaker understands his/her subject matter.

• Conclusion: does the speaker leave the audience with something to think about or cherish? A speaker should always try to leave the audience with a lasting memory.

Make it a date with me next week as we discuss another important topic. I wish you a happy New Year in advance. May the Lord grant us all the privilege of seeing, living in and enjoying 2013. See you then by the grace of God.

Dr. Amodu lectures at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

40

SOCIETY Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has held a state banquet to mark his second anniversary in office. Some indigenes of the state were honoured on the occasion, writes SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN.

•From left: Mrs Olayinka; Governor Fayemi and wife, Erelu Bisi; Mrs Florence Ajimobi and Governor Ajimobi

•Fayemi presenting a plaque to Aare Babalola. With them is Mrs Modupe, Babalola

Two years of giant strides

“H

E should dance," said an onlooker. And truly, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi danced and danced to the rich tunes supplied

by Seun Treasures Band.

Clad in a cream colour Agbada, he was joined on the dance floor by his wife, Erelu Bisi, Governor Oyo State Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and former Governor of Ekiti State Otunba Niyi Adebayo.

Other members of the state executive council led by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka and her husband, Olayinka, also danced to the rhythms.

Also on the dance floor were the Chief of Staff of the State of Osun Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; other principal officers of the state led by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Adewale Omirin; Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola; Chairperson, State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof.

Dupe Adelabu.

Others were the Vice-Chancellors of Ekiti State University (EKSU) and his Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) , Prof.

Akin Aina and counterpart Prof.

Sidi Oso and principal officers of institutions.

The ambience at the Government House Grounds in Ado-Ekiti, was a bit chilly. But it was cosy and warm inside the classy pavilion.

Dignitariesfelicitated with Fayemi as he basked in the euphoria of his accomplishments.

The event was the state banquet held as part of activities to mark Fayemi's second year in office, fittingly ending an eventful week which witnessed a harvest of completed 'milestone projects' in every town across the 16 local government areas of the state; a sweeping inauguration of 160 projects including roads, schools, water and rural electrification.

This occasion was also to honour state indigenes who had distinguished themselves in various callings.

Teju Baby Face stylishly and intermittently dished out jokes.

An all-female dance band called Obini Bata from Cuba, equally performed a dance session, enthralling with their attractive but unusual singing of rich but slightly diluted Yoruba songs amid the drumming of Bata, a special drum in Yorubaland.

•Otunba Adebayo (right) and Comedian Babyface

• Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Ekiti State, High Chief Jide Awe (right) with other guests.

It was an ev ening Fayemi stood tall with his able lieutenants. They had reversed the fortunes of the state for good.

Odia Ofeimun offered a fiveminute talk on the governor and his new book, Reclaiming the Trust, a collection of speeches given at various times mainly in the past two years.

Ofeimun's talk chronicled the bloodied trajectory of Nigeria's contemporary history.

Fayemi, in his speech, observed that although the state had had a history of struggle for self actualisation and development, "the last two years have proved the struggle has been worth the trouble" as "the state has risen to address the critical question of development and restoration of hope."

Noting that while indices might not support the already attained total self-actualisation in the development parameters, Fayemi observed that Ekiti had nevertheless blazed trails in addressing "the critical question of development", a situation he said eminently ratified the occasions theme: Reclaiming the trust of the people; delivering the promise to the people.

He said while earlier conducts

of governance by past governors of the state had justifiably wounded and eroded the people's trust, his administration, in recognising public trust as key in governance process, had instituted measures to reverse the picture.

According to him, desires to build trust had kept urging the administration on "competence, creativity, reliability and transparency in public funding in all that we do", stating "the state has now successfully restored the core values of passion, courage, integrity and honour."

"Without being immodest and at the risk of sounding arrogant, our record of achievement in the past two years in Ekiti is better in quality and quantity than the previous seven and a half years than our people have lived through.

"But we are not deluding ourselves.

“We know we have not reached the destination. We know the road is still long. But from the prism of our 8-Point Agenda, we have been able to consistently present our score card to the people of the state", the governor said.

Honorees include Aare Afe Babalola (SAN,); Chief Deji Fasuan, retired permanent secre-

• Oloye of Oye-Ekiti Oba Michael Ademolaju (left) and Olojudo of IdoEkiti Oba Idowu Faboro

•A cross section of guests

•A cross section of guests

tary in old Ondo State and Alhaji Adebayo Musa Ayeni, former deputy governor in old Ondo State; the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti... and Mr Biodun Akinlaja, the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice who was conferred with the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September.

Other prominent Ekiti Ambassadors honoured at the event included Mrs. Helen Otitoju, a child prodigy and an electrical engineer who as early as 1996 bested all in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

Those who could not make it to the event but equally honoured this evening were Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Mrs. Foluso Olaniyan; the popular hip hop musician, Antonia Yetunde Alabi known as Shasha, and Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi.

Honoured in absentia were Chief Femi Falana (SAN); Bishop Peter Awelewa Adebiyi and Prof.

Funmi Falusi-Olopade, world renowned Oncologist and Prof. Akin Oyebode, University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD), now Ekiti State University.

Friday, December 28, 2012

42

Tottenham Hotspur manager, Andre Villas-Boas heaping praise on Gareth Bale, describing him as a world best player.

RUSSIAN CLUB tables £205m for Messi

• Bale

Bale among world best, says Villas-Boas

•Messi

Evra: Fergie will sack us if we lose top spot

•Evra

2013 AFRICA NATIONS CUP...2013 AFRICA NATIONS CUP...2013 AFRICA NATIONS CUP

Niger to spend $4m on AFCON

Keita’s class is Mali’s trump card

•Keita

Zambia stronger now—Mbesuma

•Yacouba Ali Seydou

•Lamouchi

Lamouchi announces 23 –man Ivory Coast list

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

43

44

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

NEWS

Goodnight teacher A funeral Mass has been held for the late Mrs Roseline Oluyemi at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Aguda, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

S

HE lived an exemplary life.

As a mother, a wife, a teacher, a friend and in her Christian fold, she was held in high regard. The late Mrs Roseline Olaitan Alaba Oluyemi passed on on November 12 at 76.

The late Mrs Oluyemi taught at the Secondary Modern School in Odogbolu and Government Demonstration School, Surulere Lagos.

A funeral mass was held in her honour at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Aguda last Friday.

Her demise was shocking to her immediate family, especially her husband of 54 years, Pa Simeon Abiodun Williams.

So last Friday, they ensured she had a befitting burial.

The pall bearers, bearing the white casket, where her remains laid, were traditionally dressed.

They danced all the way to the entrance of the church and gently placed it on the table. Members of the Christian Women Organisation, (CWO), were there awaiting the opportunity to pay their last respects to their former patron.

The women, dressed in their uniformed wrappers and white shirts stood in circular form, as they sang various hymns from the Catholic Hymn Book.

The casket was wheeled into the church as the song I Surrender All was sung. It was placed before the altar. A large crucifix stood by the altar where it was all through the proceedings of the mass.

Blue was the dominant colour.

Members of the deceased’s family were dressed in blue laces, made elegant with the red Aso-oke material used for the headgear and cap.

The widower wore a simple white sokoto and shirt. Others wore a separate kind of Ankara materials.

The family was not in grief. The day was to thank God for the late Mrs Oluyemi’s life. Thus, the children had cause to smile and laugh when their sympathisers came around.

Leading the clerics, Revd Jude

•Mr Oluyemi

•From left: Deceased’s son-in-law Dr Boye Akinsulire and wife Moyo; Mr Kusa and wife Dayo

•Mrs Fashola (right) and Yinka Yusuf

•Son of the deceased, Mr Tunji Oluyemi and his wife

•From left: Olumide Falohun; Toye Odunsi and Val Ojumah

•Evangelist Odegbami and his wives, Matilda (right) and Clara PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID

Anyachie, reminded all that every celebration of a funeral is a reminder that death is a reality man must pass through.

“When is the right time to die?”

Fr Anyachie asks. “Though, there is a struggle for self preservation, every life lost is a loss. None knows the day or measure in which death will come. So let us live our lives so that we will be like the five virgins in the parable of the Gospel where the oil of life and life shines in us.”

The cleric described the deceased as one who God blessed with the gift of being a teacher and whose

qualities endeared the church women to making her their patron.

Her remains were laid at Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos.

The family members and their friends moved to Iponri High School for the reception.

The wife of the governor of Lagos, Dame Abimbola Fashola, led guests to the occasion.

The deceased’s husband, Oluyemi, read a touching tribute. He said: “The regard everyone in the family had for you was never reduced before your demise as you kept being a shining example to the younger generation.

FUNERAL

•From left: children of the deceased; Mrs Omolabake Akinwumi, Miss Bisi Oladipo, Mrs Olajumoke Omotoye, Mrs Kikelomo Adeleke and Mrs Olanike Oladipo-Oyewole at the funeral of their parents, Mr and Mrs Michael Oladipo in Efon-Alaye, Ekiti State.

“She co-operated fully with me in raising the children, thus the success far achieved. She remained a pride to me throughout our married life.”

The first daughter of the deceased, Dr Oludayo Oluyemi-Kusa, thanked her mother for all the principles she taught her.

She said: “My mother was the historian and mathematician of the family. Even in her old age, she had a very retentive memory. She is the best maths teacher I have ever known.” Her husband, the former Director of Publications of The Guardian, Mr Femi Kusa, recalled his early encounter with

his mother-in-law.

He said: “The first time I met her was in May 1983 during her daughter, my wife’s birthday. I will remember grandma for two reasons. One - she was a very observant person. She told my wife that I loved groundnuts, when it never even crossed my mind that I do. Grandma loved obituary publications. She would read every page in depth and discuss them with me. And I began to pay attention to transcendental matters. But grandma is only gone, not dead. Let us be jubilant and thank God for having met her and experienced life through her.”

AWARD

•The Nation Ahmed Boulor (right) receiving a statuette and certificate for the 2012 Celebrity Media Award’s (CMA’s) Best Movie Reporter from SOULCOM Media Manager Godwin Ibok at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

• Tambuwal

• Adeola

• Ukeje

• Jime

Committees constsitute the engine room of legislative houses. Although the standing committees of the 7th House of Representatives were inaugurated on September 29, last year, they started work early this year. VICTOR OLUWASEGUN and DELE ANOFI examine some effective committees that have earned the House good reports, their challenges and agenda for 2013.

Reps Committees: Achievements, challenges and 2013 agenda Finance Committee (Chairman: Abdulmumin Jibrin)

T

HE House Committee on Finance, headed

by Abdulmumin Jibrin could be said to have been one of those that have distinguished themselves in the outgoing year.

When President Goodluck Jonathan presented the 2013 budget before the House in October, it was accompanied with the 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as required in the Fiscal Responsibilities Act, 2007.

Part of the committee’s recommendations on the MTEF, that the benchmark be increased to $80 became a source of conflict between the House and the Executive Jibrin had always stood his grounds that the House would not shift it’s position on the $80 barrel. The Finance Committee in conjunction with thenLegislative Budget and Research committee reviewed the MTEF brought in by President Goodluck Jonathan and changed the parameters in the budget proposals Another aspect where the Committee got acclaim was its efforts to ensure that out of the Internally Generated Revenue of MDAs and government corporations, what is due to the Federal Government is remitted to its coffers.

During its investigative hearing on non-remittances of internally generated revenue, It was the committee that also discovered that several agencies were found guilty of contravening the FRA by either outrightly failing to declare their operating surpluses or declare operating loss to avoid remitting it to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in accordance with the FRA 2007.

The committee’s discovery that 35 revenuegenerating agencies including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) were responsible for a shortfall of N113.8 billion into the Federal Government coffers for the 2012 fiscal year was an added laurel for the committee.

The Committee, in its report over poor remittance of internally generated revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Fund by the government, revealed that agencies only remitted N11.8 billion or 9.41 per cent of their internally generated revenue (IGR) of N125.6 billion in 2012.

Abdulmumin Jibrin, Chairman, Finance Committee said the immediate focus of his Committee was to curtail the spending powers of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) through legislation.

“One of our biggest concerns is the spending powers and the expenditure of the agencies but

‘Constraints that may make nonsense of the ambitions of the Committees include lack of funds. They had no fund to work on the bills committed to them. The present funding system of Committees’ activities should be reviewed so that Committees have access to funds, as and when due, to finance their activities. This is an area usually exploited by MDAs to thwart essence of oversight functions of the Committees’ we discovered that their spending is now a pattern like raising 100 billion and post an expenditure of 100 billion. The implication is that they are giving the Federal Government nothing. But the underlying factor is that by the time expenditure of these agencies are scrutinized, without sounding immodest, most of the expenditures are sheer garbage.

“These are the kind of issues we are looking at now because they always hide under the excuse of internal laws that gave the power to do such expenditure, but then, two constitutional provisions provided a way of it and the constitution is supreme.

“We are taking two amendments to the Act, one is a consolidated amendment to reduce the powers of these agencies to expend what they generate. Second amendment is to the FRA, rather than the Federal Government taking money from the operation surplus, we now want it to take money from the gross.

House Committee on FCT (Chairman: Emmanuel Jime) This is one of the most effective committees in the House. The sessional report of the committee headed by Emmanuel Jime as at June 2012 shows that the 40- man strong committee which was mandated to galvanise the essence of Abuja as choice for Capital City of the Federal Republic of Nigeria The committee’s jurisdiction as spelt out in the House Standing Order XVII, Rule 21(1and2) covers Oversight on matters affecting the Federal Capital Territory Administration, except the Area councils, Planning and development of the Federal Capital Territory, Allocation of lands in the Federal Capital Territory; Control of development within the Federal Capital Territory; and Annual budget estimates.

The committee performed oversight function on the Federal Capital Territory Administration,

Secretariats, Departments and Agencies through regular interactions and oversight visits. Within the past year, the Committee held 6 of its regular Committee meetings, 6 interactive sessions with Officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) 2 Public Hearings.

Bills and motions referred to the committee for the period under review include: “A bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of the hospitals management board of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and for other matters connected therewith,” sponsored by Rep Uzoma Nkem Abonta; “A bill for an Act to establish the FCT resettlement, Compensation and Rehabilitation Board and for Other Related Matters, 2012” sponsored by Rep Bitrus Jisalo and Hon. Godfrey Gaiya.

Motions include: “A motion on urgent need for a comprehensive and integrated housing policy for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja,” sponsored by Rep Friday Itulah; “Deteriorating state of the transport scheme of Abuja Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO),” Sponsored by Rep Stella Ngwu; “Motion on unchecked refuse dumping along major roads in and around FCT, as it predominantly affects Lokogoma-Gudu axis,” sponsored by Rep Lanre Mukaula O. There was also “Motion on the need to give priority attention to the slow pace of KujeGwagwalada road project and to provide for water drainage system along the road,” sponsored by Rep Isa Igah Dobi and “Need to investigate alleged mismanagement and embezzlement of N4.5 billion funds for the American University of Medical Sciences Project,” sponsored by Rep Kingsley Chinda; and also the motion- on ”Need to provide mobile emergency response units in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” sponsored by Rep Yakubu Abiodun Balogun.

On the committee’s plan for 2013, Chairman, House Committee on FCT, Emmanuel Jimmeh, said security situation within the federal capital

was a priority to pursue in 2013.

According to him, the organisation of a security workshop in Abuja in the out-going year was a pointer to the concern of the Committee because notwithstanding being the Center of Unity, Abuja has joined the league of terror cells in Nigeria.

“The current security situation in the country and the federal capital in particular is worrisome and it is our belief that if practical steps are taken, terrorism and kidnapping would sooner than later become a thing of the past in the country.

Raphael Igbokwe, Deputy Chairman of the Committee also spoke adding that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as it affects the FCT would be vigorously examined in the coming year.

According to him, it is the intention of the Committee to ensure that time was not wasted on the establishment of Board of Internal Revenue for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the bill scaled second reading.

He said: “FCT can not collect proper taxes over the years because there was no board of internal revenue in existence. So, going by population explosion as well as the expansion of the city, the FCT cannot develop about 13 Districts due to lack of fund

Public Accounts (Chairman: Solomon Olamilekan Adeola) For a committee that asks questions on the issues of funds administration, based on reports by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF) the Public Accounts Committee headed by Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, according to lawmakers, “has done the House proud.”

Many people have insisted that the activities of the committee have started impacting positively on the financial standing of the country. The committee was the first to raise the alarm on the N4 trillion non-remittances by Ministries, Departments and Government Agencies for 2009 alone.

The committee’s report subsequently indicted 60 MDAs on the issue.

The committee also took on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation over the $7bn missing crude oil funds and summoned the past chairmen and members of the Board of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as well as the Minister for Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke to appear it to explain knotty issues concerning the sum.

•Continued on page 46

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

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POLITICS

Reps Committees: Achievements, challenges and 2013 agenda •Continued from page 45

A look at the activities of the committee and responsibility could be discerned by looking at the working document of the committee which is the Auditor-General’s report for a given year.

For instance, the 399-page audit report on the accounts of the Government of the Federation for year ended December 31, 2009, as signed by the Auditor-General of the Federation, Samuel Ukura, was adopted as working documents for the House Committee on Public Accounts.

So was that of 2003 to 2008. For those years, the committee’s investigations culminated in a-1,200 page report which has over 700 recommendations on statement of accounts of over 60 MDAs out of the 601 MDAs indicted before the House.

According to the Committee chairman, the Auditor-General’s report for 2009 alone shows that the Consolidated Revenue Account recorded a shortfall of N254,157,683,917.45; a shortfall of N267,674,270,493.54 in the external loan out of N582,621,480,000 obtained by Fund Departments while $200 million transfer from JP Morgan was omitted from the Consolidated Account as at August 13, 2009.

In the report, it was further stated that the sum of N214,826,243,694 accrued into sinking fund, interest due on floatation of bonds, among others were unknown while N524,372,523,275.79 extracted balances on capital accounts of 185 MDAs “had not been remitted into the Consolidated Revenue Fund as at the time of this report (December 2009).”

The committee has given notice of its intention to probe the management of the Excess Crude Account, Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), the Ecological Fund Account, Stabilization Fund account which is under the Office of the Accountant General as well as the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) account amongst others. This effort is likely to spill into 2013.

Adeola said: “This investigation will be all-encompassing. We are going a step further by bringing back the former board to come side by side the current one to explain to Nigerians where this $7 billion is.”

And what would the committee be concentrating on in the year 2013?

Adeola said one of the most important issues before the committee is to ensure that all collectable revenues due to the Federal Government are collected, particularly in the Liquified Natural Gas. “On the issue of the LNG, as the only thing that constitutes revenue today as we are aside the taxes, federal, income taxes, is oil. LNG has been on for over six to seven years, and they’re not privatized and we’ve not even heard from them.

Adeola said that the committee would institute a comprehensive probe into the operation of the LNG which according to him has not remitted any revenue into government coffers after operating in the country for the upward of seven years.

He said Federal Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and Federal Government Colleges will also be investigated by the committee in the coming year, adding: “There are also many MDAs, and government corporations like that. In 2013 we are going to ensure that people do not shortchange the Federal Government, or misuse tax payers’ money to the detriment of national development.”

Foreign Affairs (Chairperson: NnenaElendu-Ukeje)

F

OR the foreign Affairs Committee headed by Nnena ElenduUkeje, 2012 has been a challenging year. But surprisingly, the committee was able to rise up to the occasion and make Nigerians proud. Of note and particular interest was the issue of deportation of the female pilgrims during the Hajj operations.

The “conflict” between Nigeria and the government of Saudi Arabia in the

• Jubrin

wake of the deportation of over 500 pilgrims from the Holy land during the last hajj operation was an opportunity in which the House could gauge her worth as the head of the committee on Foreign Affairs.

Every member of the House expressed satisfaction for,the manner in which she handled the affair. They lauded her pro-active stance and concise dissection of the issues and incidents as well as her correct interpretation of the mood and actions of the Saudi Government.

The report of the her committee on the issue was incisive and had far reaching recommendations that was no doubt an eye opener to many members in the Parliament.

Elendu-Ukeje has been vociferous in her call for more funding for the Nigerian Mission.

While lamenting the poor funding of the 111 foreign missions in a recent interview, she said: “We have tried to capture it in the nation’s budget. Last year, the allocation made to the execution of foreign policies and our foreign mission was 0.8 per cent of the nation’s budget. South Africa does 19 per cent of their nation budget for foreign affairs, Republic of Benin does 3 per cent of its nation’s budget on foreign affairs, Ghana does 11 per cent of its nation’s budget on foreign policy and Nigeria did 0.8 per cent, less than 1 per cent.

She believes that Nigeria must start to decide if it will put its money where its foreign policy is. “Where does Nigeria see itself? What does Nigeria want to do to achieve its vision for itself? How far is Nigeria willing to back its aspirations and I think those are the issues. Yes, there is wastage in some places but more in other sectors than in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” she said.

Public Procurement (Chairperson: Jumoke Okoya-Thomas) The committee on Public Procurement headed by Jumoke Okoya-Thomas is one of the most important committees in the House. This is mainly because the committee oversights the Bureau of Public Procurement which vets all the procurement processes of the MDAs. To this end, the committee by extension is like a watchdog of the MDAs in terms of procurement processes and conformity with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

For a while, the committee was up in arms against the Bureau of Public Procurement, in trying to get it to adhere strictly to laid down rules and procedures for procurement as enshrined in the Act guiding the processes.

One of the recent battles of the Committee was with a Minister which the committee severally invited to explain the why the procurement in the contract awards by her ministry was not in tandem with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act. Her zeal for Due Process has earned her the nickname, Madam Due Process.

• Thomas-Okoya

Aids, Loans and Debt Management (Chairman: Adeyinka Ajani) When the mounting debt of the country, particularly the states became worrisome for the House of Representatives and they wanted to know if the loans being obtained by the states and the Federal Government was sustainable, they called on the Adeyinka Ajani headed committee to conduct a fact finding mission on behalf of the House, and the committee did an admirable job of the investigations.

But not without some drama though.

It was at the hearing that a pall of confusion trailed the $171 million power sector loans Governor Isah Yuguda’s of Bauchi State applied for from the China EXIM Bank.

While Yuguda’s said he was borrowing $171 million, the Debt Management Office said he was borrowing $75 million And while the governor who insisted that he was borrowing $171 million put the disparity down to typographical error the Director General of DMO, Abraham Nwankwo said it was the figure he got from the Ministry of Finance.

The Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola also came before the committee to protest the non-inclusion of the second tranche of the state’s $600 million World Bank loan in the borrowing plan of the Federal Government The committee had called for a meeting with 12 state governments, MDAs and financial Institutions over the 2012-2014 external borrowing plan. Of the twelve state Governors invited, only Governor Yuguda and Fashola showed up in person.

Officials of the World Bank, African Development Bank (ADB) International Monetary Fund (IMF) Exim Bank of China, Islamic Development Bank and French Development Agency were all invited to the session.

The committee also tried to ascertain how comfortable the states seeking multi-million dollar external loans from international financial institutions to fund various projects would

‘We are taking two amendments to the Act, one is a consolidated amendment to reduce the powers of the agencies to expend what they generate.

Second amendment is to the FRA, rather than the Federal Government taking money from the operation surplus, we now want it to take money from the gross’

• Ajayi

be when the loans were being repaid.

According to the committee, there was the need to ensure that the states would not be dragged the into debt traps.

The Chairman of the committee, Adeyinka Ajani said the House called for the session to ascertain the state component in the External Borrowing Plan of the country. The committee has co tinted to give good account of itself in its assignments.

Justice Committee (Chairman Ali Ahmad)

T

HE House Committee in Justice may sometimes be a quiet com mittee, but in some instances, it was saddled with important assignments in conjunction with other committees.

The efforts of the committee to facilitate the passage of the Justice Sector Reform Bills by the National Assembly as well as how to attract more funds to the Federal Ministry of Justice and its parastatals, has been applauded. The committee’s move to regulate the application of the concept of plea bargaining, which has been grossly abused in the Criminal Justice Administration in Nigeria is also seen as a move in the right direction.

But according to the Chairman of Justice Committee, Ali Ahmad, the committee is also working on the Central Bank of Nigeria Act (Amendment) which he sees as priority.

“It is our determination to strengthen the bank and make it proactive and insulated from unnecessary interference or manipulation by external factors. I assure you that the fears expressed by some section of Nigerians would be allayed because some factors were taken into consideration when they were making their presentations,” Ahmad said.

The bill sought to provide for an Act to amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 No. 7 to appoint a person other than the Governor as the Chairman of the Board of the Bank, exclude Deputy Governors and Directors as members of the Board, divest the board of the power of consideration and approval of the annual budget of the bank; and for other related matters.

Another key area of focus for the Justice Committee in the new year was the justice sector.

According to Ahmad, the Committee held several interactive sessions with the Ministry of Justice and the Chief Executives of the six parastatals under the Ministry.

“The meetings were aimed at, among others: ascertaining the achievements and constraints of the Ministry and the parastatals concerned, appraising the efficacy of the Enabling Acts of the parastatals with a view to determining whether to review or update them and ascertaining the extend of implementation of the year 2011 budgets of the Ministry and the parastatals concerned.

Environment(Chairperson: UcheLilianEkwunife)

The House Committee on Environment has proven that it could be both active and pro-active given the recent environmental challenges that plagued the nation.

Long before the flood that devastated about 22 states in the country, the committee had always sounded a note of warning on the neglect of environmental issues by the Federal Government.

It had consistently called for adequate funding for the core ministry in charge of the environment.

Though the Minister for agriculture According to the Minister, the flood devastation of many communities in the country only affected 1.4 million hectares representing 1.117 per cent of the 400 million hectares of cultivated farmlands in Nigeria, Ekwunife was of the opinion that the country does not need to wait for disasters to occur before running around in circles to address the issues.

One of the boldest moves by the committee in 2012 was the crafting of a bill purposed to give the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) more powers for it to function effectively.

The bill entitled: “A bill to amend the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (Establishment etc) Act 2006 and for other matters connected therewith,” was sponsored by Ekwunife.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Department of Petroleum Resources, the bill was more or less transferring the responsibilities of the Ministry and DPR to NOSDRA. The IOCs that spoke at the hearing including Shell, Agip and Chevron also cautioned that the bill’s regime of fines was more punitive than corrective.

The amendment bill sponsored by the Committee chairperson herself is a radical departure from the principal act and seeks to give the agency wider powers to carry out its functions.

If eventually passed as a law, NOSDRA would be vested “with responsibility for preparedness, detection and response to all oil spillages, oily wastes and gas flare in Nigeria.”

In the proposed bill Oil companies that do not report spills within 24 hours are to pay N500,000 and those who fail to clean up spills N1 million NOSDRA will also benefit 2.5 per cent from the Ecological Fund annually for the management of major oil disasters, 0.5 per cent operational funds of oil companies “for the enforcement of environmental legislation in the petroleum sector, and 10 per cent from the sale of each barrel of oil “for environmental management.

Tambuwal lauded the efforts of the said bill saying it was a step in the right direction.

Challenges Constraints that may make nonsense of the ambitions of the Committees include lack of funds. They had no fund to work on the bills committed to them.

The present funding system of Committees’ activities should be reviewed so that Committees have access to funds, as and when due, to finance their activities. This is an area usually exploited by MDAs to thwart essence of oversight functions of the Committees.

Lack of reference material is another as many Committees lacked basic reference materials to carry out research on bills and other legislative measure Other challenges include inadequate office accommodation: though the National Assembly may look big and all encompassing. So, the committees still lack space to function effectively.

Committees like Justice have high number of referrals in terms of bills, hence such Committees were involved in several joint meetings with others.

Securing meeting rooms or halls was a challenge confronting such Committees thereby hampering progress of work. Other challenges that cut across committees include the refusal of members of the Executive to turn up on invitations of the committee.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

•Fabrics distributed

•Bags of rice donated to the needy •Continued from Page 13

already building 27 units of twobedroom bungalow for each indigent woman across the 27 LGAs, also donated 2000 bags of rice and 1000 pieces of wrapper.

Speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Pastor Henrietta Jacobs, lauded the philanthropic

49

New deal for the needy in Imo spirit of the Governor, which she said has been brought to bear in governance towards giving hope to the poor and less-privileged in the state.

She commended Governor Okorocha for remembering the

needy in the society during the yuletide, adding that giving is one of the major pillars of the Christmas celebration.

Responding on behalf of the visibly happy beneficiaries, Gabriel Umunna, prayed God to reward

everyone that has risen to the needs of the less privileged ones in the society, adding that it has never been this good for the poor in the State.

Umunna particularly thanked the state Governor for his rare

show of meekness and magnanimity, “Okorocha is a Governor with a difference, he never allowed his exalted office to keep him away from the ordinary people but has continued with that spirit of philanthropy for which he is known all over the world, we are happy and we pray God to reward his efforts accordingly”.

More potent vaccine for Ogun healthcare system

O

GUN State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka has disclosed that the state is set to begin the use of pentavalent vaccine, a combination of vaccines to combat five childhood killer diseases from January 2013.

Dr. Soyinka dropped this hint in Abeokuta during the State Training for Trainers (TOT) on pentavalent vaccine introduction for Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) managers and other health workers in the state.

Dr Soyinka further revealed that pentavelent vaccine would replace the previous immunisation vaccines that prevented Diphteria, Tetanus, Whopping Cough, Hepatitis B and Haemophilius Influenza type B to protect children against child-

It will reduce child mortality rate in Nigeria by preventing 30,000 child deaths and 400,000 cases of the Haemophilus Influenza type B (HIB) associated with illnesses that occur in children of less than five years every year

•Some of the buses and items donated

Senator’s N45m boosts jobs scheme in Osun •Continued from Page 13

chines to various beneficiaries.

The event, which was witnessed by dignitaries of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and representatives of 10 local government areas and Modakeke Area Council within the senatorial district, was applauded by participants.

The acting chairman of the party in the state, Elder Adebiyi

Adelowo, commended the donor for his efforts to reduce poverty among the people of the state. He also enjoined the beneficiaries to make good use of the items and always think of how to emulate their benefactor.

Adelowo said if they are dedicated to their career, they should be sure of God’s rewards.

Omoworare appealed to the youths to use their spare time and youthful energies positively by being creative and not depending

hood killer diseases, adding that these would be administered through a single dose.

“It is a life-saving vaccine to be included in the routine immunisation system by 2013 in replacement of immunisation that children get at birth, six, 10 and 14 weeks of age,” Soyinka stated.

He further added: “It will reduce child mortality rate in Nigeria by preventing 30,000 child deaths and 400,000 cases of the Haemophilus Influenza type B (HIB) associated with illnesses that occur in children of less than five years every year.”

Dr. Soyinka emphasised that the training would provide the trainers the prerequisite skills, knowledge and competence on proper management and safe administration of the pentavalent vaccine.

on government and the political class for everything.

He went further to tell them that if the nation is failing them, they must not fail themselves. He appealed to those who did not immediately benefit from the exercise to be patience.

One of the youths, a barber, Israel Adanla, thanked the senator for the gesture and appealed to other public office holders to emulate him.

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Amosun kicks off N200m micro-credit scheme

O

GUN State government has taken another step towards poverty eradication as it distributed another N200m as micro-credit facility to empower women of the state.

While flagging off the second phase of the empowerment programme for women at OkeMosan, Abeokuta, Governor Ibikunle Amosun said that his administration was committed to the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of more women with a view to advancing partnership for development.

He restated his administra-

tion’s resolve to bridge the gap between the rich and poor through various empowerment initiatives.

The governor noted that, as part of his administration’s strategic approach for the overall development of the state, the government has decided to empower and build a virile middle class.

Governor Amosun said: “The scheme will also serve as a great stride in our attainment of some objectives of the millennium development goals (MDGs), particularly eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, and equally, goals three and eight respec-

The gesture was a clear demonstration of government’s resolve to economically empower the citizenry and foster a remarkable improvement in the lives of the people

tively. This is in form of promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women. It will also help to develop a global partnership for development.”

The governor disclosed that previous empowerment schemes by past administrations did not take into cognisance the empowerment of people in the rural areas, stressing that the present administration was committed to the overall empowerment of those in the rural areas.

He said the gesture was a clear demonstration of government’s resolve to economically empower the citizenry and foster a remarkable improvement in the lives of the people.

Governor Amosun further revealed that his administration had subsidised the interest rate payable on the loan to just onedigit level for easy re-payment.

He therefore advised the 5,000 beneficiaries to ensure prompt repayment of the loan facility, even as he assured that his administration was determined to double the credit facility from N200m to

about N500m which will involve about 10,000 beneficiaries in its next phase. ”You (beneficiaries) must realise that you are to commit yourselves to responsible fund utilisation system and keep to strict re-payment schedule,” the governor advised.

In her keynote address, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Sonubi, hinted that the micro- credit initiative was organised to empower the citizenry, targeting the womenfolk who had been sidelined in the past. She added that the scheme was implemented to clearly prove the importance of women in nationbuilding.

“This scheme is being implemented to clearly prove the fact that women play a crucial role, especially in agriculture, business; politics and even at the traditional level. Again, it is to show that women are potent force to reckon with in the scheme of things worldwide,” Sonubi said.

She noted that the revolving

•Governor Amosun

loan programme had been initiated to include women from different vocations up to the core rural poor in order to evolve an empowerment programme that would rescue women from harsh economic activities, reduce poverty to the barest minimum and ultimately help the core rural poor to be able to access small loan and repay over a period of time.

Sokoto to revive ailing companies From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

•Governor Wamakko

S

OKOTO State will soon regain its lost business and industrial status as efforts are being made to revive ailing companies through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative initiated by the Sokoto State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SOSCCIMA).

About 30 industries and com-

panies largely governmentowned are non-functional.

President of SOSCCIMA Alhaji Kabiru Tafida stated this in Sokoto in a chat with Newsextra.

According to Alhaji Tafida, former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, and Animal Health and Forestry explained that the target of the chamber was to put in place an environment conducive enough to private participation that would guarantee 90 per cent revival of the moribund going concerns.

“We are working on a blueprint and soon we will intimate the government on how far we have gone and advise appropriately,” he said.

He disclosed that the driving force of a responsive economy was the function of full private participation and policy that

would sustain access to capital base at less interest rate; noting that government has limitation in stimulating the profitability and prospects of businesses.

“There is need for government to provide functional infrastructure and access to funds from banks and other financial institutions,” he said.

According to him, the establishment of the IPP by the state government which is ongoing will provide the basis for would-be investors to have business interests in the state.

He maintained that SOSCCIMA has identified some of the ailing companies which include the Sokoto Ceramics, Leather Company, Rice Milling and Processing, Foam Industry, SOLETA. Tafida maintained that SOSCCIMA has commenced sensitisation and enlightenment crusade to woo indigenous businessmen and women especially in area of agriculture which he noted the state has comparative

advantage to the state.

He said: “We have succeeded in getting 18 of our local traders participate at the one week quarterly Canton Trade fair in China Gounzu as part of sensitisation.

“The next trip will be in March next year. We started in April and the second batch went in October.”

However, he disclosed that the state will soon organise a domestic trade fair that would attract participation from five states like Kogi, Niger, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kwara.

According to the former commissioner, the objective is to create avenue for the states to showcase their potential.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Sokoto State has urged the state government to implement the 12.5 per cent and 15 per cent increment of their salaries as obtained in other states of the federation.

The union is also seeking free medical treatment for its members and families in all the state and

local government hospitals as well as the Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

Speaking during the Pensioners’ Day in Sokoto, its state chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Ciroman Tangaza said pensioners in the state were concerned about the increment as well as free medical services for themselves and families.

The chairman said granting the moderate demands by the union would fast-track steps for other states to emulate the initiative of Sokoto State government.

“This will also encourage the Federal Government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and foreign bodies to practice as well.

“Such efforts earned Governor Wamakko the NUP-friendly governor award in 2008 by our headquarters,” he recalled.

However, Alhaji Muhammad said the union was aware of the giant strides made by Wamakkoled administration towards the welfare of its members.

There is need for government to provide functional infrastructure and access to funds from banks and other financial institutions…The establishment of the IPP by the state government which is ongoing will provide the basis for would-be investors to have business interests in the state

•Akeresebierin II of Ibafon in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area Lagos, Baale Kayode I. Okunlola (JP) and Chief Linus Ikechi Onyemaechi (right) during the donation of security vans to police by Oriade Local Council Development Area

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

52

The NGO has built change agents in 26 states of the federation and over 80 communities, who identify challenges in rural areas and creatively solve them using sustainable business model. SIFE has, in the last 11 years, begun to raise a generation of change agents, who are business savvy and passionate about transforming their societies

Reward for grooming kids N

INE months ago, Otto Orondaam resigned from his well-paid bank job to form a non-governmental organisation (NGO). That NGO helped to groom disadvantaged kids and send them to school. Orondaam’s aim was to help in the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The community hailed him for his efforts. But more reward was afoot: he was awarded a scholarship to study NGO Management Programme at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, United Kingdom.

Orondaam’s efforts to secure educational opportunities and provide the health need of children in disadvantaged communities in Lagos through his Slum-to-School Initiative was rewarded at the maiden edition of NonProfit Leadership and Excellence Awards held at Terra Culture, Victoria Island.

The award was organised by Africa Social Space Magazine to build stronger bridges between non-profit organisations and resource providers in African social sector.

The Chairman, Editorial Board of the magazine, Mr. Kalada Apiafi, speaking through his deputy, Mr. Rufai Ladipo, said the rising poverty level, poor governance, and unemployment had caused a shift of emphasis from social discourse to shared developmental challenges, which resulted in the increased activities of social sector initiatives in the country.

“Being non-profit,” the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Mrs. Kunbi Wuraola, said it was challenging for the editorial crew to get contributing articles.

She urged people to help the cause of the magazine by sending in lifechanging articles.

On why the magazine floated the award, Wuraola said: “When we con-

T

HE name of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fasjola has resonated in Yaba Local Council Development Area. The LCDA, chaired by Hon. Olajide Jimoh, is reckoned to have enjoyed profound growth in the last one year but the chairman has said it was all due to Fashola’s inspiration.

There is boost in the council’s health profile; senior citizens residents there have enjoyed a new lease of life. Security is said to have improved, and Jimoh has picked up several awards to underscore his achievements. Still, the former banker and philanthropist said Fashola’s leadership style was the reason for his success in Yaba.

By Wale Ajetunmobi

sidered the various issues and challenges experienced by social sector practitioners, which range from credibility to sustainability, fund-raising to reporting, monitoring and evaluation of projects among others, we discovered that surviving non-profit organisation and others are going to thrive. We felt there is need to celebrate them.”

One of the judges, Mrs. Nneka Okekearu, said because people run non-profit organisations did not mean those NGOs should not be sustained.

She read the modalities for arriving at the categories of the award, saying several NGOs sent in nominations but 15 nominees were shortlisted based on governance structure, effective communication, organisation practice, high ethical standard and enlightened use of human resources and information technology, among others.

The categories of the award were Entrepreneurship and Empowerment, Domestic and Social Needs; Education, Leadership and Youth Development, and Health and Gender.

Blessed Uwatt of Greater Tomorrow Initiative (GTI) won the Entrepreneurship and Empowerment category while, Mrs. Adesuwa Ifedi of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) became the runner-up.

Other winners included Tolu Sangosanya of Lots Charity Foundation, Domestic and Social Needs category; Lola Amao of Vision 20:2020 Youth Empowerment and Restoration Initiative, Education category; Laja Shoniran of Financial Literacy for All, Leadership and Youth Development category; and Felicia Martins of SoSaid Charity, Health and Gender category.

Ifedi, SIFE Executive Director, was

•Orondaam receiving the scholarship document from Ladipo (middle) and Wuraola recognised for her social entrepreneur programme for over 2,500 students in 45 tertiary institutions nation-wide.

“The NGO has built change agents in 26 states of the federation and over 80 communities, who identify challenges in rural areas and creatively solve them using sustainable business model. Through this process, SIFE has, in the last 11 years, begun to raise a generation of change agents, who are

business savvy and passionate about transforming their societies,” the judges noted.

Orondaam, who was a runner-up in Domestic and Social Needs category, said he was motivated by the need to make less-privileged children in rural communities have access to education. With about 500 passionate volunteers, scores of children had been rescued from the street back to school.

Fashola inspires growth in council

By Emmanuel Udodinma

He said: “The Yaba Local Council Development Area has witnessed unprecedented development growth during this period which peaked with the brilliant performance of our teams at the Ibile Games, which changed the Yaba LCDA acronym to ‘Golden Yaba’.

“We have kept faith with our people and this is reflected in the positive perception of our administration

by the rank and file of our people. To attest to this, we have received congratulatory calls accolades and deserving awards. Some awards for Immense Contribution to Security (The Nigeria Police, State CID, Yaba); Good Governance Award (Forum for Local Government Nurses and Midwives); Best Council in Lagos State for Health (LG News Publication]; Grand Patron of Nigeria Youth Organisation; Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award on Administration (West African Students Union; Excellence Award for

•Hon. Jide Jimoh (second left); Chief Tayo Oyemade (second right); Vice-Chairman, Hon Bola Lawal Olumegbon (left) and guests at the event

Tremendous Support to Nigeria Youths (Eko Youth Association) and Outstanding Grassroots’ Leadership Award (Check Out Magazine, UK), amongst others.

“For 365 days now, we have taken the last one year of our second tenure as if it will be used to determine our political future as we have embarked on projects and programmes that have immense benefits for our people. No sector has been spared in this regard.”

While enumerating some of those projects he had executed, Hon Jimoh who was a member of the Lagos State House Assembly, said: “We continued with the reconstruction and rehabilitation of our primary schools. Some examples are All Saints Primary School, Lady-Lak Primary School, Yaba .We have also renovated Our Lady of Apostles Primary School. The collapsed perimeter fence of Lagos City College was constructed; same for the fence of Talimum Primary School. Other projects that we have embarked upon include distribution of bags and exercise books, JAMB and GCE forms free to our secondary school students.

“Our health programme has been both preventive and curative. One of the most exciting programmes of this administration is the re-introduction of first aid boxes in all the 33 primary school in the LCDA. We recently distributed wheelchairs and crutches to physically-challenged people; provided two ambulances which are available for people’s use free of charge; constructed laboratory facilities at Iwaya Primary Health

”So far, we have been able to give 350 children full scholarships in different schools and provide all materials they need throughout the year. We are committed to see a better Nigeria and this NGO is a deliberate action towards providing a solution and being active players in the country we believe,” Orondaam said, adding that he would use the knowledge he will acquire in London to affect more lives.

Centre, L.A Salami PHC, etc. The collapsed Fence of Ori Oke PHC has been re-constratucted. Currently, work is ongoing on the construction of Obadina Public Health Centre at Abule Oja. In the scheme 100 old people of 70 years and above are paid monthly allowance of N10, 000.00 each. About 180 youth and women were trained in various skill to make self –dependent; 600 youths were employed through various revenue boards; a number of women were empowered with some farm product. Our administration also established Yaba LCDA Complaints and Job Creation Centre to open up various opportunities for job and scholarship for our young ones. We have given premium to staff development as well because they have been performance enhancing training for clerical and effective communication seminar for senior officers.

Hon Jimoh said that Yaba LCDA won gold at the Lagos State sports Festive and that positively changed our name ‘’Golden Yaba’’. The Yaba Queens emerged runner-up in the Eko Female football competition. We also became the first in Lagos state to sponsor ‘AYO’ Championship. It was dubbed ‘’first Prince Tajudeen Olusi Ayo Championship’’ As if that is enough, we have constructed and rehabilitated some road within the council like Makoko road.

Olatunde ,Borno way amongst others.

He maintained that 350 KVA generator was procure for the council Secretariat, seven (7) transformers in –stalled in the various communities, Donated two patrol to security operatives and set up council fire service unit.’’

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

53

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Index appreciates by 1.4%

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-12-12

T

HE price movement indicator of the Nigerian

Stock Exchange (NSE) the AllShare-Index yesterday along with its twin, the market capitalisation, suspended the downward movement it started on Monday to appreciate with 1.43 and 1.42 per cent.

According to market operators, positive sentiments coupled with and maximum gain by Dangote Cement pushed indicators northward on Thursday, overhauling the 1.22 per cent cumulative downtrend recorded during the recent six-day bearish regime. The market gained 143 basis points to push indicators to the highest gain on a single day since Wednesday, December 12, 2012 when it recorded 1.72 per cent growth.

In summary, lead benchmark index, NSE-ASI gained 391.03 absolute points, representing 1.43 per cent appreciation, to close high at 27,737.69 points. Similarly, market weight indicated by Market Capitalisation gained N124 billion, representing 1.42 per cent high, to close high at N8.862 trillion.

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Recall that both indicators depreciated by 0.20 per cent in the previous session.

On the volume of activities recorded, Transcorp continued to top the chat. The stock yesterday traded 60.318 million shares from the 19.33 million units’ it used to top gthe chat on Monday. UBA displaced FBN Holdings from the second position with a total trade of 35.728 million shares; while Zenith Bank retained the number three position with 26.418 million shares from 14.04 million units it traded on Monday.

The uptrend was equally boosted by gains posted by the following mid and capitalized stocks; ETI, GT Bank, UBA, Lafarge WAPCO, Skye Bank and Zenith Bank.

However, bullish investors dominated trade statistics in terms of transacted deals, volume and value in this order; 34.2 per cent, 61.3 per cent and 43.9 per cent respectively. In all, the market traded 238.139 million shares worth N1.990 billion in 2,645

deals.

The Finance Services sector was the most sought after with 159.512 million shares worth N1.172 billion across 1,563 deals. This was followed by the Conglomerates sector with 60.478 million shares worth N64.802 million in 110 deals.

Others with significant volume include Consumer Goods, Industrial Goods, Oil & Gas and Services with 10.512 million shares, 2.441 million shares, 11.836 million shares and 1.797 million shares.

On the price movement tables, the market recorded 23 advancers against 12 decliners. Leading the gainers table was Fidson with a gain of N0.08 to close at N1.08 followed by Okomu Oil Palm with a gain of N1.90 to close at N39.90.

Others on the gainers table include Dangote Cement, Eterna Oil & Gas, NASCON, NPFMCRFBK, Transcorp, Continental Insurance, Skye Bank and RTT Briscoe.

On the losers’ table, Fort Oil led the list with a drop of N0.40 to close at N7.73 followed by International Breweries with a drop of N0.15 to close at N15.75. Also on the table were Transcorp, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Ashaka Cement, FBN Holdings, FCMB, GTB, Custodian and Allied Insurance and Japaul Oil.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-12-12

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

Keystone Bank sacks 145 staff

K

EYSTONE Bank Limited has sacked over 145 of its staff and promoted 20 others in a move aimed at repositioning the bank.

Formerly known as Bank PHB Plc, Keystone Bank Limited, one the financial institutions that ran into trouble during the global recession, was nationalised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2009.

An insider within the bank who spoke anonymously told

Stories by Collins Nweze

The Nation that the management of the bank took the affected staff by surprise when it gave them an unpleasant Christmas gift by serving them sack letters. The source said that although the criteria for sacking the staff was not clear, the affected staff were mainly those that contributed little or nothing to the bottom-line.

He said many of affected staff were middle level managers

and few management staff.

Those promoted were mainly management staff.

The downsizing, the source added, affected staff from different parts of the country where the bank operates.

“There was no rumour about the downsizing. The bank took many of the affected staff by surprise,” he said.

When contacted, the bank said it is yet to release official statement on the matter.

Following the sudden res-

ignation of the bank’s former Managing Director, Oti Ikomi in October,the bank’s board subsequently appointed Dr. Shehu K. Muhammad as the acting Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer.

Muhammad was until his appointment the Executive Director, Corporate Banking at the bank. His appointment was announced in a statement by the bank’s Head of Corporate Communications.

Muhammed’s appoint-

ment came barely 24 hours after Ikomi resigned his appointment as the Managing Director/ CEO of the bank, citing personal reasons. The Board of Directors rising from a meeting on Friday, October 12, 2012, formally accepted the resignation.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) on August 6, 2011 injected N283 billion into the bank. The move was aimed at raising its capital adequacy ratio to 15 per cent

S

next three years, including the development of five new Transcorp Hilton hotels in Nigeria, at Asaba, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja; and real estate developments, including a prime location shopping mall and office complexes in Lagos,” it said.

In Tanzania, Heirs has partnered with foreign associates to invest in Mtanga Farms, which has a growing livestock business as well as a growing seed potatoes business that has introduced a new, high-yielding seed variety that will help im-

prove the returns of about 150,000 small holder farmers in the region.

It said the Group also plans to conclude the acquisition of the Ughelli power plant, commence production of its two oil assets in Atta and Delta; establish an integrated fertilizer plant in Delta State, as part of the Group’s wider energy business, which will supply Nigeria’s burgeoning agricultural sector with three million tonnes of fertilizer per year; construct a petrochemical facility that will enable

domestic production and boost intra-Africa trade flow, in addition to creating thousands of jobs throughout Nigeria; and change the dynamics of intra-African commodity trade and market development through the establishment of Africa Exchange Holdings Limited (AfEX), a platform to roll out commodity exchanges across Africa, starting with East Africa Exchange Limited (EAX), a Rwanda-based regional commodities exchange.

FCMB wins ‘Best Bank in Pre-paid Card Issuance’ award

F

IRST City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB) has emerged as the “Best Bank in Pre-paid Card Issuance for 2012”, at the annual Verve Bank Awards organised by Interswitch Nigeria Limited in Lagos. The bank beat two other nominees in this category to win the award.

According to the organisers, FCMB emerged winner after recording the highest growth in pre-paid

cards, thereby enhancing its contributions towards the realisation of the cashless policy initiative moderated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Interswitch noted that the bank also developed innovative and convenient card schemes tailored to meet the needs and support the business of its clients. They include the SPAR Gift Card Scheme, the DSTV Payment Cards and Instant Issuance

Card schemes, and a host of Corporate Expense Cards which have set the lender apart. The bank was also commended for having one of the highest ratios of activated pre-paid cards in the industry.

The Director of Switching and Processing of Interswitch, Mr. Akeem Lawal, the bank for the “clear-cut strategy and efforts put into driving prepaid card implementation, especially as it helps to

promote financial inclusion for the under-banked”.

The bank’s Group Head, Affluent Segment of Consumer Banking, Mr. Akeem Mustafa, thanked Interswitch for recognising the lender’s efforts and contributions. He assured that, “FCMB would continue to endear its services to customers and the public by deploying leading edge products and services that would enhance their well-being and promote financial inclusion”.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 27-12-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

FIDSON OKOMUOIL DANGCEM ETERNA NASCON NPFMCRFBK TRANSCORP CONTINSURE SKYEBANK RTBRISCOE

1.00 38.00 122.00 1.81 7.14 1.08 0.95 0.74 4.09 1.39

C/PRICE

1.08 39.90 128.10 1.90 7.49 1.13 0.99 0.77 4.24 1.44

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

O/PRICE 8.13 15.90 2.92 11.00 17.98 15.74 3.34 22.25 1.28 0.58

C/PRICE 7.73 15.75 2.78 10.93 17.92 15.70 3.30 22.22 1.25 0.56

CHANGE -4.92 -0.94 -4.79 -0.64 -0.33 -0.25 -1.20 -0.13 -2.34 -3.45

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 132.65 125.53 0.80 1.13 0.92 100.00 1,000.00 1,763.58 11.31 1.39 1.87 9,270.16

9.08 1.00 132.34 124.60 0.77 1.13 0.91 100.00 1,000.00 1,754.53 10.75 1.80 10.75 9,029.05

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor

NSE CAP Index

Name

LOSERS AS AT 27-12-12

SYMBOL FO INTBREW TRANSEXPR STANBIC ASHAKACEM FBNH FCMB GUARANTY CUSTODYINS JAPAULOIL

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

CHANGE

8.00 5.00 5.00 4.97 4.90 4.63 4.21 4.05 3.67 3.60

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

OBB Rate Call Rate

T

HE dollar erased losses against the euro after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the United States may fall off the fiscal cliff of tax increases and spending cuts that may tip the nation into recession.

The 17-nation euro climbed to an almost eight-month high earlier yesterday after French consumer confidence unexpectedly improved and Italian business sentiment increased. The yen reached a 28month low against the dollar as John Taylor, founder and chairman of New York-based currency hedge fund FX Concepts LLC, said Japan’s currency may weaken to 90 per dollar for the first time since June 2010.

The Japanese currency touched 113.48 per euro, the weakest since August 4, 2011. “If it became clear that we aren’t going to have any kind of a compromise or interim agreement, then that might be negative for markets at that point and it would be dollar positive,” Nick Bennenbroek, head of currency strategy at Wells Fargo & Co. in New York, told Bloomberg.

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

and also enables it pay back the funds CBN for it and other rescued banks in 2009.

Dollar strengthens against Euro

‘Heirs Holdings Group expands operations’ ENIOR management of Heirs Holdings has disclosed that the company’s portfolio recorded impressive growth, and would chart 2013 objectives within its core strategy of driving one of Africa’s leading value-creating enterprises.

In a statement, it said Heirs Holdings is actively developing significant industrial projects, viewed as a crucial means to build and diversify Africa’s economy. “Heirs Holdings has set ambitious goals for the

•Mohammad

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

57

NEWS 139 get Chukwumerije’s N13.82m scholarship From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

A

N undergraduate scholarship scheme set up seven years ago for Abia North Senatorial District’s students by the senator representing the district, Uche Chukwumerije, has approved between N15,000 and N45,00 for 139 beneficiaries for the 2011/2012 academic session.

The senator has issued cheques to the beneficiaries, based on their course of study.

The scheme is part of the senator’s economic empowerment for youths’ capacity building, manpower development, moral re-orientation and social mobilisation.

Chukwumerije said the scheme would soon enter the second phase, adding that about 50 others would benefit from it in 2013.

Besides the scheme, the senator said he would begin a microcredit scheme to assist businessmen and women in the senatorial district.

At a ceremony at his home in Ngodo Isuochi, Chukwumereije said he wanted to ensure that youths have integrity, believe in themselves, become visionary and are resolute against those who could use them for crime.

The sentaor noted that when the youths of the zone are properly empowered, they would change the bad perception about the country.

Chukwumerije added that Nigeria has been adjudged to have been eaten destroyed by corruption and parochialism.

‘Obi has transformed Anambra’

A

LECTURER at the Department of Geology, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Mr. Chris Ngwu, has described as “beyond belief” the spate of development Anambra State has recorded under Governor Peter Obi. In a statement in Awka, the state capital, the don noted that because of politics, it was difficult to believe what people were saying about the governor’s achievements.

But he said after going round and seeing what the governor has put on ground, he was convinced that Obi has transformed the state.

The don said he was in Anambra for the Christmas holidays and decided to see things for himself with some of his friends.

Ngwu said: “We decided to go round some of the projects

said to have been done by the governor. So, on December 23, we set out to places and saw the Long Odor, Otuku, and Amansea bridges. We also visited Amaku Teaching Hospital, Ekwulobia, Iyienu, Borromeo, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Joseph and Waterside Hospitals. We saw over 50 gigantic projects either completed or nearly completed.

“We visited some secondary schools that the government recently returned to the missions and were impressed with the rehabilitation going on in them through the financial grants running into billions provided by Governor Obi. We witnessed water running in towns like Nibo, Amawbia and Agulu. We can now confirm authoritatively that Anambra State, courtesy of Governor Obi, has the highest and most impressive network of roads.

* Sea Gull Band, one of the five competing bands at the 2012 Carnival Calabar, displaying beauty and elegance on the streets of Calabar, Cross River State...yesterday

Gunmen kill businessman, others in Maiduguri

G

UNMEN yesterday shot dead a merchant, Alhaji Abubakar Girigiri, 58, at his warehouse in the Bolori area of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

An eyewitness said the gunmen arrived at the warehouse on foot, pretending to be customers.

They reportedly before shot him at close range.

A resident, Modu Lawal, said: “A group of four teenagers arrived the warehouse on foot and met Girigiri attending to his business.

“After a short while, two of them brought out guns from their trousers and shot him at close range.”

Lawal added that the businessman died on the spot.

“We tried to rush him to the

A

istration would spend N4billion to develop the new Three Arms Zzone in a new layout in Awka, the state capital.

The governor said Awka residents has used their actions and inactions to hold down the development of the community.

Obi spoke in Awka, the state capital, during the 2012 Awka Summit tagged: Arise and Restore: A Road Map to Prosperity for Our People.

It was organised by the Awka Development Union Nigeria (ADUN).

He said: “I have N4 billion already mapped out for the de-

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

velopment of the new Three Arms Zone – the Government House, new House of Assembly and the new Judiciary. But after I paid over N150 million as compensation for the land, some other groups appeared to say that they were the rightful owners of the land.

“It is my wish that I leave Awka better developed than it is now. But Awka people must be partners and help to fight hooliganism and detractors everywhere. The leadership of Awka is in the hands of those it is not supposed to be because they are the people recruiting youths who are at their productive age, youths doing nothing.

Kano plans N600m conference centre From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

T

HE Kano State Government yesterday said it will build an ultra-modern international conference centre that would be a melting pot for political, social and economic events.

The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Alhaji Yusuf Bello Danbatta, addressed reporters in Kano during the breakdown of the 2013 Appropriation Bill.

He said the project would cost N600million and would be built in one of the three mega cities being created by the Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso administration.

According to him, since its creation in 1967, Kano does not have a befitting international conference centre.

Danbatta said: “The state, being the most populous in the country and the economic nerve centre of the North with huge political consciousness, should have such facility.”

The commissioner explained that the government would not borrow to execute its various projects.

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

hospital for help but he died before we could do anything.”

Police spokesman Gideon Jibrin confirmed the story but said the police had not got details of the incident.

Jibrin also confirmed that gunmen killed seven persons in Jere Local Government.

He said: “The police are trying to get the details of the report so that we can unravel the mystery behind the killings.’’

The Joint Task Force (JTF), code-named Operation Restore Order, also confirmed the killing of three security men early yesterday at Ruwan Zafi, Maiduguri.

JTF spokesman Lt.-Col.

Sagir Musa, in a statement in Maiduguri, explained that the task force was trailing the suspected killers.

“This is to confirm that three security men were killed in the early hours of the day by suspected members of the Boko Haram group.

“Efforts are on to apprehend the killers,” Musa said.

The JTF in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, has arrested a group of suspected terrorists in Gujba Local Government, its spokesman, Lt. Lazarus Eli, said yesterday.

In a statement, Lt. Eli said a Boko Haram member was killed in an encounter while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The JTF spokesman said over 200 rounds of ammunition and five AK 47 rifles were recovered from the suspects.

The statement added: “At 2pm on December 27, men of the JTF on patrol encountered suspected terrorists at Gujba.

“One suspected terrorist was killed in the encounter and several others escaped with gunshot wounds and abandoned their vehicle.

“Items recovered include five AK 47 rifles, 211 rounds of ammunition and 10 magazines. Other are a Mitsubushi Canter truck, two motorcycles, Improvised Explosives Device (IED) materials, medical supplies and police uniform.”

Mark urges tolerance on Ebonyi communal crisis

Governor earmarks N4b for new Three Arms Zone in Awka NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi yesterday said his admin-

•JTF kills suspected terrorist in Yobe

S

ENATE President David Mark yesterday urged the people of Ebonyi Central Senatorial District to forgive one another and live in peace, in line with what the birth of Jesus Christ signifies to mankind.

A statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, said Mark spoke in his home town Otukpo, Benue State, when the people of the senatorial district, led

by Senator Paulinus Igwe, visited him for the Christmas celebration.

He said: “The people of Ebonyi Central have not had the best of peace in recent time. But Christmas is about living together in harmony and in peace. The central message of Christianity is forgiveness.

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Unless we can genuinely forgive one another, we cannot be good Christians.

“It is not easy to forgive, particularly in a situation where lives have been taken.

But Christ’s birth brought peace, the type that has not been known in the world before his coming. He came and preached forgiveness. We must, therefore, as Christians who are supposed to be Christ-like forgive each other.

“I, therefore, appeal to you to also appeal to those who are at home to allow peace to reign. In the New Year, we must make a resolution for peace to reign in Ebonyi Central. I am willing to work to achieve this peace. If all leaders would make themselves

available to work for peace in the little community, we will soon have peace as a nation.”

The Senate President restated his support for the creation of more states in Nigeria.

He noted that those canvassing against state creation based their argument on viability.

Mark added: “The argument of those opposed to state creation is based on whether existing sStates are viable or not.

“But they forget that a state might be unviable just because the administrator is disingenuous with internal revenue generation or the people are not united and the administrator has to spend the available resources on achieving peace.

“I am for the creation of Apa

•Mark

State and any other state that may fit the conditions.

“I have never shied away from my agitation for creation of additional states just as I have always called for the creation of roles for traditional rulers in the Constitution.”

“The traditional rulers are the custodians of peaceful coexistence in our various local communities.

‘Stay action on Dec 31 deadline on patent medicine’

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IGHTS activist and Executive Director of Human Rights Monitor, Mr Festus Okoye, yesterday urged Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to halt the plan to sack patent medicine dealers on December 31.

The activist noted that the implementation of the deadline would have adverse effect on the fragile security in the state and violate the decision of a Federal High Court.

In a statement In Kaduna, Okoye recalled that a Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna, had ruled that the decision of the government be put on hold pending the determination of the substantive suit which will begin on February 18, 2013.

The lawyer noted that the “decision of …Governor Kwankwaso and the Kano State Government to close down the Abubakar Rimi Market, Sabon Gari, Kano, on December 31, despite the subsistence of a valid order of the Federal High Court, Kano, restraining them from doing so portends grave danger to the rule of law, due process and the maintenance of peace and security in the state”.

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

He added: “There is a subsisting Order of the Federal High Court, Kano restraining the Kano State Government, and the Kano State Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, the Commissioner of Police Kano State, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Health from carrying out their threat to close down the Abubakar Rimi Market Sabon Gari, Kano State or eject the Dealers from their stalls.

“The Governor of Kano State, the Attorney General of Kano State, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria; the Minister of Health and the Attorney General of the Federation are all parties to the suit and were duly served with the Court Order and all the processes filed in the suit and they have responded to the said processes and entered appearance.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

58

NEWS Wada to revive ailing industries From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

KOGI State Governor Idris Wada has promised to revive ailing industries in the state.

The governor spoke at Acharu, Dekina Local Government, during his inspection of an ailing palm oil factory in the town.

He noted that the revival of the factory would create jobs and boost the state’s industrialisation.

Wada promised to turn around abandoned stateowned companies in fulfillment of his Transformation Agenda.

The governor said after taking note of the problems of the palm oil mill, his administration would make it functional again.

The National Secretary of the National Palm Producer Association of Nigeria, Mr. Yusuf Dantalle, told the governor that the factory required stepping down of a transformer and a generator plant to function effectively.

He said a borehole is needed for the comfort of the workers’ and the host community.

Kaduna deputy governor to be sworn in today T HE Kaduna State House of Assembly has approved the nomination of Amb. Nuhu Bajoga as the deputy governor.

The Assembly cut short its Christmas and New Year recess to approve the nomination yesterday during an emergency plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Matoh Dogara.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governor Mukhtar Yero on Monday forwarded Bajoga’s name to the Assembly for approval.

The motion to consider the nomination was moved by Alhaji Balarabe Jigo, representing Kakangi, and seconded by Alhaji Nasiru Maikano.

House members, who contributed to the debate said Bajoga had garnered vast experience in public and private life to enable him serve the state well.

After members’ contributions, Dogara said: “The House has agreed and approved the appointment of Nuhu Bajoga as Deputy Governor of Kaduna State.”

•Governor: why I chose Bajoga

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

NAN reports that Bajoga was born in 1949 in Kwoi, Jaba Local Government.

He attended S.I.M. Primary and Secondary Schools, Kagoro, in 1959 and 1969.

He later moved to St. Paul’s College, Zaria, in 1970, to complete his secondary school education.

Bajoga obtained a Diploma in Accountancy from the Kaduna Polytechnic in 1975 and became an Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) member after completing a course at Slough College, England, in 1980.

The deputy governor-designate worked with the Kaduna State Government as an accountant between 1975 and 1976. He joined Ashaka Cement Plc as an Internal Auditor in 1980 and become General Manager in 1993.

Bajoga served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Poland with

concurrent accreditation to the Czech Republic between 2004 and 2007.

He was elected the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in March this year.

Bajoga may be sworn in at 11am today, following the confirmation of his nomination by the House of Assembly at an emergency session, it was learnt yesterday.

Bajoga was nominated deputy governor following the elevation of the former occupant of the office to the position of governor amid protest by Southern Kaduna youths.

The protesters said Bajoga should have remained the state Chairman of the PDP. Yero yesterday said he chose Bajoga as deputy because the state needs a patient, articulate and sensible leader.

The governor spoke in Kaduna when members of the

Elders Consultative Forum of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), led by Gen. Zamani Lekwot, visited him.

He said a patient, articulate and sensible person would be able to balance the act of governance and give the state the impetus for continued peaceful coexistence and development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bajoga was cleared by the State House of Assembly yesterday as the Deputy Governor-designate.

Yero said he understood the anger of the youths on his choice of a deputy, who was 19 years older than him.

The governor said the late Governor Patrick Yakowa was 20 years older than him, adding that it gave their administration the balance of youth and old age.

He said this helped them to work together for the progress of the state.

Yero added: “One of the major reasons why I felt I need somebody who I can work with is that I was in the position of deputy governor for two and a half years and I know what the position requires.

•Yero

“I know that it is a seat of a patient person. You have to be patient, articulate and know what you are doing.

“I will have respect for him and he will have respect for me; we would move the state forward.

“He is going to contribute to shaping and balancing the administration and in working together to move the state forward.”

The governor added that the death of Yakowa had brought together Muslims and Christians in the state.

He said he prayed that the unity would be the beginning of lasting peace in the state.

Lekwot said the elders came to express their condolences on the death of Yakowa.

Suswam, Ugbah ‘clash’ in football match From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

BENUE State Governor Gabriel Suswam and his major challenger in the 2011 general elections, Prof. Steve Ugbah, will “confront” each other in a novelty football match to unite the Tiv nation.

The event is among the activities members of Ateu-Tiv, a social network for the Tiv ethnic nationality, have scheduled to mark the end of this year.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of Ate-u-Tiv’s Endof-Year Carnival, Mrs. Mngunengen AwunahIkyegh, yesterday addressed reporters in Makurdi, the state capital.

She said: “After social interactions online for so many years, members decided to meet and discuss. In 2011, an Ate end-of-year party was put together. It is upon this initial attempt that our Ate Carnival is built.”

The committee chairman said this year’s event is tagged: Ate Carnival, with the aim to strengthen, grow and develop the Tiv nation.

According to her, the carnival “also seeks to create tourism specifics through these annual events …by showcasing our rich and untapped cultural heritage”.

Mrs. Awunah-Ikyegh said her committee believes the carnival could export the Tiv cultural potential to other parts of the world to gain economic value and a unique identity.

She stressed that the event, especially the symposium, would enable the people to reflect on the socioeconomic needs and the challenges future generations might face in their homeland.

Delegation of Bauchi State Women’s Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOCAN) with the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu (middle), during a visit to the emir in Bauchi...yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Suntai ‘should apologise to Taraba people’

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HE Senator representing Taraba North Senatorial District, Aisha Jumai Alhassan, has urged ailing Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai to apologise to the people of the state “for the wrongs he has done them”.

Suntai was, on October 25, involved in a plane crash in company of three others.

He survived the mishap but sustained serious injuries.

Senator Alhassan said Suntai’s survival was a divine intervention to make the governor apologise and seek forgiveness from Tarabans.

Alhassan spoke at her Christmas gala celebration at her home near the Presidential Lodge, Jalingo, the state capital.

She said: “God has given him (Suntai) a chance to

•Govt: Senator’s statement unfortunate From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

apologise. When he comes back, he should seek forgiveness from the people of Taraba for all the wrongs and injustices he has done to the state and its people.”

But the government yesterday said the senator’s statement was unfortunate.

It noted that Alhassan spoke when the people of the state were praying for Suntai to return to his desk to continue the development of the state.

The Commissioner for Information Mr Emmanuel Bello said Suntai survived the crash because God and the people want him to continue serving the state.

He said the governor has worked for the peace and security of Taraba State and provided infrastructure, especially roads, to accelerate its development.

Bello advised Alhassan to apologise to the people for making what he called an unguarded statement.

The senator has been an opponent and critic of the Suntai administration. She often said the governor was surrounded by crooks and once petitioned the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the governor’s alleged anti-democratic practices within the party.

Alhassan also said the state PDP Chairman, Victor Bala, was not democratically-

elected (in accordance with the tenets of the ruling party’s constitution), adding that he would soon vacate the office.

She said: “Victor Bala was just handpicked by the governor and imposed on PDP members. He was not elected.

He will soon leave that seat.”

The senator said all she has been doing was to entrench internal democracy in the system. “I want the right thing to be done; people should be allowed to vote for whom they want.

“I invited over 60 personalities from this government, but if you look around, you won’t see government or PDP officials here, for they would be relieved of their jobs”, she said.

A former governor, Rev. Jolly Tavuro Nyame, urged the Suntai administration to reabsorb the PDP members it allegedly sacked for attending one of Alhassan’s events in Abuja.

Nyame said: “It was a wedding ceremony, which anybody could attend. But some people were sacked from office for attending the event, because it was organised by Senator Alhassan. I am advising that those people must be returned their jobs. Otherwise, only God knows. Some people have done more wrongs to the people of this state, but they were not sacked from office.”

The former governor led Taraba for 10 years and ensured that Suntai succeeded him. But both are no longer on good terms.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

59

NEWS We want identity of tanker owner, say fire victims

One killed in Delta From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

THERE was confusion yesterday in Agadama-Uwheru, Ughelli North Local Government of Delta State over the alleged killing of Lucky Ekewo by the local vigilance team.

It was gathered that the vigilance team, led by Famous Eritomi, on Wednesday shot Emmanuel Odioko (36), who is receiving treatment in a hospital.

A source said the group’s second in command, Godspower Ojomi, went to the police to report the shooting and was detained.

The source alleged that other members of the team, led by Eritomi, killed Ekewo in his house.

The Divisional Police Officer, Gado Gareje, said the shootings were as a result of a clash between two rival groups.

He said no arrest has been made and that the shootings had nothing to do with the local vigilance team.

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ESIDENTS of Murtala Muhammed Way, Benin City, the Edo State capital, were counting their losses yesterday after a petrol tanker fire which killed a commercial bus driver, burnt 13 vehicles and four motor-cycles.

The victims said their only demand was for the owner of the tanker to be identified.

They urged the state government to help them identify the owner for possible payment of compensation.

A tanker conveying fuel on Wednesday lost control and fell into a ditch, spilling its product on the road.

An explosion which occurred thereafter burnt the vehicles and motor-cycles.

A commercial bus driver, Kingsley Oghagbon (40), was burnt to death while attempting to take his bus away from the fire.

The fire lasted for one hour before it was put out by men of the State Fire Service.

Electric poles and transformers were also burnt.

Residents said the whole street was on fire.

Eighty-five year old Paul Isibor, who lost his new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), said he was sitting outside when he heard a noise.

“The petrol started flowing and people started running.

“I called my children to safety. In less than five minutes there was fire everywhere. I have never seen this kind of thing before.

“The fire got to my SUV I bought last week and a bus parked in my house.

“But I am happy that my house is in tact. The youths tried and they even used sachet water before the firemen came.

•The wreckage of the tanker Inset: The late Oghagbon

Firm launches products

By Kehinde Falode

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

“The government should look for the company that owns the tanker.”

Another victim, George Omusi, said he parked his bus only to be told a few minutes later that it was burnt.

He said: “We appeal to the police to help us locate the

owner and see how he or she can assist us.”

Oghagbon‘s brother, Charles, said his late brother heard about the spilled fuel and rushed out to take the bus away.

He said the bus caught fire immediately his brother switched on the ignition.

Charles said the brother ran out but fell on the road,

which was already burning.

Ehigie Pius, whose car was also burnt, said he was in his shop when the incident occurred.

He said the tanker was descending the slope when it fell into the ditch and they later heard a noise.

Rev. Efosa Torui said they were still waiting for the owner of the tanker to show

Edo is safe, say govt, police

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HE Edo State Government yesterday faulted the travel advisory given by the United States to its citizens not to travel to the state because of alleged insecurity.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States Department banned its citizens from travelling to 10 states, including Edo, because “the security situation in Nigeria remains fluid and unpredictable.”

But the government said Edo is the safest state in the Southsouth.

The state made the clarification in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Julius Ihonvbere.

It said it was unbelievable that the advisory left out some states which had been recording violent crimes daily.

The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a travel advisory by the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the US Department of State, which listed Edo State as unsafe for visitors.

“We find it laughable that Edo State is on the list and this might suggest that the US Department of State

•Fault America’s claims From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Osagie Otabor, Benin

is not in tune with events in Nigeria.

“While we are unclear on the parameters used, we, however, make bold to state that Edo State is the safest in the Southsouth and one of the safest in the country.

“This can be confirmed from the security agencies.

“It beats the imagination that some states which record violent crimes daily in the country are excluded from the list.

“But, Edo which has been hailed by all, including the World Bank, is included on the offensive list.

“Those who come to equity must do so with clean hands. If the Department of State could include Edo on its advisory list, then it should also issue a travel warning to citizens of the world to avoid Connecticut, where 20 children and six adults were killed in their classrooms two weeks ago.

“It would do good to also issue a travel advisory to New Jersey which, according to the Cable News net-

‘While we are unclear on the parameters used, we, however, make bold to state that Edo State is the safest in the Southsouth and one of the safest in the country’ work (CNN), “has suffered 65 violent deaths in 2012” and to Philadelphia where “the year-to-date total of homicides is 322. Last year, 324 were killed.”

The statement added that Governor Adams Oshiomhole had done much to improve the

security situation in the state than any government.

The statement said: “While we concede that the security of lives and property is an integral part of development, we make bold to state that no society is eternally perfect.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that the present administration has invested in security more than its predecessors and the gains of such investment are there for all to see.

“The Edo State Government, therefore, rejects the travel warning and wishes to assure Edo sons and daughters and other visitors of their safety in the state.”

Also the Acting Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Hurdi, yesterday kicked against the warning.

Hurdi said no foreigner has been kidnapped or robbed in the state to warrant such travel warnings.

He told The Nation that security operatives were on a 24-hour alert to curb criminal activities.

The police boss said the state was safe and that his men were ready to combat any crime.

up.

He said there was no plate number on the tanker and that they are confused.

At the secretariat of the Petroluem Tanker Drivers union in Benin, the drivers said their chairman was not around.

Those who spoke said they were yet to get information on who owns the tanker.

NSCDC graduates 109 in Bayelsa

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HE Bayelsa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has graduated 109 armed squad graduates.

They were trained by the 343 Artillery Regiment, Elele Barracks, Port Harcourt, in weapons handling, arm drills, Combat Craft, range Classification/ exercise.

Speaking at the passing-out parade, the Commandant, Commander Desmond Agu, said some officers had been trained in weapons handling and arms drills in Jaji, Kaduna State, Nigerian Prisons Training Schools, Owerri, and Counter training at the Nigeria Army Deport.

“The selection will be made up of trained officers and men to form a formidable armed squad for Bayelsa State.

“This team will work with the military, the police and other security agencies to minimise crime in the state,” Agu said In addition to the armed squad, the commandant noted that all officers and men command shall assist in the maintenance of peace and order in the state.

“The NSCDC has the power to arrest and prosecute any person suspected to have committed a crime, chemical poison or oil spillage, nuclear waste, poisoning, industry espionage or fraud.

A FIRM, European Personal Care Limited, has launched its range of personal care products at the Oceanview Restaurant on Victoria Island, Lagos.

The products are Sofn’free and Easy waves crème relaxers, Clere Hair and body lotion and Krayons petroleum baby jelly.

Speaking at the event, Suren Mirchandani said the Sofn’free and Easy waves crème relaxers were carefully formulated to ensure that women have value for their money.

“We are here today to introduce our range of products to Nigerians.

“Over the years, we have trained hairstylists on how to use our products efficiently and they have testified of the results,” he said.

The event was hosted by an actress, Tina Mba, and was attended by the President of Hairdressers Association of Nigeria, Mrs Thomas Ishoka, and founder of Elegant School of Cosmetology Dr Elizebath Oshisanya.

Sultan for Auchi Day Festival From Osagie Otabor, Benin

THE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saa’d Abubakar III, is expected to open next year’s Auchi Day Festival with a lecture, entitled: “The Purpose of Life”.

The festival’s coordinator, Usman Abudah, said the Auchi Day festival is to enhance the co-existence of citizens and depict the essence of living together.

Abudah said other dignitaries expected include Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Prof. Zakari Oseni of the University of Ilorin, Chief Imam of Arafat Mosque, Sheikh Ahmad Bello and Sheikh Abdul-Lateef AbdulHakeem.

“The essence of the festival is to unfold the basic attitude of creating a peaceful format amongst a people in order to prepare a spiritual awareness,” Abudah said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

60

FOREIGN NEWS Detained Russian sailors released

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IFTEEN Russian sailors, who have been detained in Lagos without charges filed against them for two months in an arms investigation have been released.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the decision came after telephone conversations between Russian and Nigerian foreign ministers, ITAR-Tass reported yesterday.

“The Russian Embassy in Nigeria, in cooperation with the ship’s owner, is working on the technicalities of arranging for the sailors’ flight back home,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Government officials said the decision arose from the desire to “retain the friendly climate of bilateral relations with Russia and from humanitarian reasons.”

Meanwhile, the ship, Myre Seadiver, is at a naval base pending the completion of an investigation, ITAR-Tass said.

“No official charges against the ship’s owner or the crew have been brought to this day,” the Russian Foreign Ministry statement said.

Nigerian officials seized the ship and crew October 19, claiming it had an improperly declared cargo of firearms on board.

Bush Snr in intensive care

F

ORMER President George H.W. Bush is in the intensive care unit of a Houston hospital and is in “guarded condition,’’ family spokesman Jim McGrath has said.

“The president is alert and conversing with medical staff, and is surrounded by family,’’ McGrath said in a statement.

“Following a series of setbacks including a persistent fever, President Bush was admitted to the intensive care unit at Methodist Hospital on Sunday where he remains in guarded condition,’’ McGrath said.

“Doctors at Methodist continue to be cautiously optimistic about the current course of treatment.’’

The 88-year-old was admitted to the hospital on November 23 for bronchitis.

A hospital spokesman said in mid-December that the former president was expected to be home from the hospital in time for Christmas, but the spokesman later said doctors felt that the former president should build up his energy before going home.

Bush has lower body Parkinsonism, which causes a loss of balance, and has used wheelchairs for more than a year, McGrath said in an e-mail on Wednesday.

Bush, the 41st U.S. president and a Republican, took office in 1989 and served one term in the White House.

The father of former President George W. Bush, he also served as a congressman, ambassador to the UN, envoy to China, CIA director and vice president for two terms under Ronald Reagan.

‘Obama not sending proposal to Congress’

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HITE House officials denied yesterday that President Barack Obama would send a scaledback proposal to Capitol Hill to avoid the harshest impacts of the fiscal cliff.

A Republican senator said Obama told Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, RKentucky, that the president’s plan would arrive on yesterday, and a Senate Democratic leadership member also said that was the approach being taken.

Both sources spoke to CNN on condition of not being identified further.

In addition, GOP Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts posted on his Facebook page: “Just learned that the Pres. reached out to Senate GOP leadership with a proposal. It is the first such proposal to be put forth.”

However, two White House officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the president was not sending a proposal to Congress.

It was not immediately clear whether the confusion represented a misinterpretation of outreach or discussions between Obama and Senate Republicans.

McConnell has called for the president or Senate Democrats to make the first move in the political standoff over how to prevent or soften automatic tax hikes and spending cuts of the fiscal cliff set to take effect in the new year — just five days away.

Economists warn the full impact of the fiscal cliff could spark another recession. In

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PUBLIC NOTICE

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tinues to be over taxes, specifically the demand by Obama and Democrats to extend most of the tax cuts passed under President George W. Bush while allowing higher rates of the 1990s to return on top income brackets.

Obama campaigned for reelection on keeping the current lower tax rates on family income up to $250,000, which he argues would protect 98% of Americans and 97% of small

businesses from rates that increase on income above that level.

Republicans oppose any kind of increase in tax rates, and House Speaker John Boehner suffered the political indignity last week of offering a compromise — a $1 million threshold for the higher rates to kick in — that his colleagues refused to support because it raised taxes and had no chance of passing the Senate.

Opposition to meet with Morsi

•Morsi

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GYPT’S opposition has said it will consider an offer of talks from President Mohammed Morsi, after a controversial constitution became law.

Spokesman Hussein Abdel Ghani said the opposition would enter only “real and effective” talks, and dismissed a forum set up by the president as “farcical”.

The opposition is to protest on January 25, two years since the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak began.

The Islamist-backed consti-

tution has fuelled a month of violent protests.

It was approved by voters in a referendum.

But opponents say it gives too much power to the Islamists, does not protect the rights of women and minorities and there was no national consensus to support it.

On Wednesday, Morsi hailed the constitution as heralding the dawn of a “new republic”, and said talks with the opposition were now a “necessity”.

Abdel Ghani said his National Salvation Front would meet soon to discuss Morsi’s offer of talks “seriously and with respect”.

However, he dismissed the current forum for talks, which

was set up by Morsi but has been boycotted by most of the opposition.

“The current dialogue is farcical and theatrical. The president is talking to himself,” he said.

Morsi’s critics remain deeply opposed to the constitution.

The assembly that drew up the charter was dominated by Islamists after most opposition members withdrew.

Abdel Ghani accused the government of trying to establish an “autocratic tyranny in the name of religion”.

Correspondent’s say the opposition’s continued rejection of the constitution means Egypt’s political crisis is far from over.

TODAY IN HISTORY

1979: Tay Bridge rail disaster remembered Passengers retrace a fatal journey on the 100th anniversary of a train plunging from the Tay Bridge into icy waters.

NEWS

PORT-HARCOURT SICKLE CELLASSOCIATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matter, 1990.

signs of the potential effect, stocks were lower Thursday on increasing doubts about an agreement, and the Consumer Confidence Index sank.

Hopes for a so-called grand bargain that would address the nation’s chronic federal deficits and debt appeared dashed for now, leaving it to the White House and legislators to work out a less ambitious agreement.

The principal dispute con-

L

Lagos explosion: Government begins demolition of affected buildings AGOS State Governban on the use of fireworks ment yesterday

mobilised equipment to pull down affected buildings at the explosion site in Oroyinyin, Lagos Island.

No fewer than 12 buildings were destroyed by the Boxing Day firecracker explosions at Jankara Market.

Three of the structures were yesterday brought down by bulldozers, belonging to the Public Works Corporation (PWC), an agency of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

The demolition, however, created fears in the minds of owners of properties within the neighbourhood.

Five buildings were completely burnt. Three were partially affected and four others were also damaged.

A government official from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the demolition of the affected buildings will continue.

The official also spoke of plans by the government to carry out integrity test on other buildings within the vicinity to ascertain their status.

On the fate of the property owners, whose buildings may be demolished, the source said the government was yet to take a decision on that.

The source said: “It is too early in the day to say whether their properties will be forfeited or if they will be compensated by the government.

“At the moment, our concern is to ensure that those buildings that are beyond repair are demolished, while integrity test will be carried on

By Precious Igbonwelundu

a host of others to ascertain their state.

“The result of the test will show if such buildings will also be demolished or reinforced. So, it is at that point that the government will most likely take a decision.

“It is really too early to talk about that now because nobody can give an answer to it.”

As of 3pm yesterday, three of the buildings on Nos 45, 43 and 41 have been demolished.

The demolition will continue today.

The Lagos Police Command spoke of its readiness to

clamp down on importers and sellers of fire crackers across the state.

The police statement came in the wake of accusations by some of the victims that the police was aware such explosives were stored in the neighbourhood.

They (police) had been accused the police of complicity as mobile policemen had always allegedly escorted the trailers that bring in the firecrackers, which according to the victims, was usually done at nights.

Spokesperson for the Command Ngozi Braide, who was at the scene of the explosion, reminded Lagosians that the

was still in force, even as she maintained that the police will vigorously enforce the law.

She said: “Using fireworks and bangers in Lagos State is still banned. Investigation will commence on the importation of such device and necessary actions taken.

“Are such explosives supposed to be warehoused in a residential area like this?

Lagosians should please alert the police whenever they see such things henceforth.

“This is because such devices can be used by criminals.

It has been abused and we need the support of residents to arrest those going against the laws of the state.”

‘We’re still weeping over destruction of property’ about 20 other adjoining

Continued from page 10

pay any compensation. I am not expecting it but if it comes, then fine. But I insured my building, anyway.”

Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture Mr. Oyinlomo Danmole, who visited the scene early yesterday, said the state government was working hard to avert future occurrence.

According to him, the government recently established a safety commission to guard against such disaster even as he noted that individuals also have roles to play in combating such incidence.

He said the safety commission will ensure that after building approvals have been secured, the integrity of the materials used would be tested.

Danmole urged residents

and traders to install fire extinguishers in their homes and shops.

He said: “Efforts are being made to repair water hydrants all over the state and in areas where it is non-existent such as this area. Efforts are being made to provide them.”

Officials of the National Emergency Response Agency (NEMA) maintained that only one person died.

The agency’s information officer, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye said about 1500 shops have been shut down since the incident occured.

Farinloye said: “Although 12 buildings were affected by the inferno, the state government has been advised to carryout integrity test on

buildings to ascertain their status.

“About 1500 shops have been shut down since the fire outbreak. “We are begging Nigerians not to be scared of NEMA because we are not here to arrest anyone.

“All we are concerned about is the humanitarian aspect and to ensure that people are safe in disaster situations.

The questions we ask are guides to help us serve the people better.

“We are not investigating because investigation into the cause of the disaster is the duty of the security agencies.”

The Chairman, Lagos Island Local Government, Mr. Wasiu Eshinlokun visited the area. He was accompanied by Some White Cap chiefs.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

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FOREIGN NEWS Detained Russian sailors released

F

IFTEEN Russian sailors, who have been detained in Lagos without charges filed against them for two months in an arms investigation have been released.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the decision came after telephone conversations between Russian and Nigerian foreign ministers, ITAR-Tass reported yesterday.

“The Russian Embassy in Nigeria, in cooperation with the ship’s owner, is working on the technicalities of arranging for the sailors’ flight back home,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Government officials said the decision arose from the desire to “retain the friendly climate of bilateral relations with Russia and from humanitarian reasons.”

Meanwhile, the ship, Myre Seadiver, is at a naval base pending the completion of an investigation, ITAR-Tass said.

“No official charges against the ship’s owner or the crew have been brought to this day,” the Russian Foreign Ministry statement said.

Nigerian officials seized the ship and crew October 19, claiming it had an improperly declared cargo of firearms on board.

‘Azazi a good man’ •Mass for late Army General

By Damilola Owoyele

A

SERVICE of songs was held yesterday in memory of the late Gen. Owoye Andrew Azazi at the Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos. Gen. Azazi died in a helicopter crash on December 15 in Bayelsa State . The requiem mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Paul Ijasan.

It was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life.

Rev. Ijasan said of the late General: “He was a good man, a devout Christian. Evidently from the many people who are here today to honour him, he had touched many lives. He was a soldier, he was disciplined and understood the meaning of service. He gave his best to his country, and the least we could do his pray for his soul. It is our faith that even though he has left this world, he continues to live in another form of existence with God.” In his tribute to the departed, President Goodluck Jonathan said: “I saw Azazi as someone who meant well for this country.

One wonders why good people die. It is quite touching.”

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, also said: “You came, you saw and conquered. You were a fine, courageous and professional soldier. You made your mark. I have lost a dear brother.

We love you, but the Lord loves you most. Rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Adieu my dear general.”

The former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke, remembered Azazi as “special” and “intimate”. “What I think this is all about is the celebration of the life of a good person— one we all aspire to be.“

‘Obama not sending proposal to Congress’

W

HITE House officials denied yesterday that President Barack Obama would send a scaledback proposal to Capitol Hill to avoid the harshest impacts of the fiscal cliff.

A Republican senator said Obama told Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, RKentucky, that the president’s plan would arrive on yesterday, and a Senate Democratic leadership member also said that was the approach being taken.

Both sources spoke to CNN on condition of not being identified further.

In addition, GOP Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts posted on his Facebook page: “Just learned that the Pres. reached out to Senate GOP leadership with a proposal. It is the first such proposal to be put forth.”

However, two White House officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the president was not sending a proposal to Congress.

It was not immediately clear whether the confusion represented a misinterpretation of outreach or discussions between Obama and Senate Republicans.

McConnell has called for the president or Senate Democrats to make the first move in the political standoff over how to prevent or soften automatic tax hikes and spending cuts of the fiscal cliff set to take effect in the new year — just five days away.

Economists warn the full impact of the fiscal cliff could spark another recession. In

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tinues to be over taxes, specifically the demand by Obama and Democrats to extend most of the tax cuts passed under President George W. Bush while allowing higher rates of the 1990s to return on top income brackets.

Obama campaigned for reelection on keeping the current lower tax rates on family income up to $250,000, which he argues would protect 98% of Americans and 97% of small

businesses from rates that increase on income above that level.

Republicans oppose any kind of increase in tax rates, and House Speaker John Boehner suffered the political indignity last week of offering a compromise — a $1 million threshold for the higher rates to kick in — that his colleagues refused to support because it raised taxes and had no chance of passing the Senate.

Opposition to meet with Morsi

•Morsi

E

GYPT’S opposition has said it will consider an offer of talks from President Mohammed Morsi, after a controversial constitution became law.

Spokesman Hussein Abdel Ghani said the opposition would enter only “real and effective” talks, and dismissed a forum set up by the president as “farcical”.

The opposition is to protest on January 25, two years since the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak began.

The Islamist-backed consti-

tution has fuelled a month of violent protests.

It was approved by voters in a referendum.

But opponents say it gives too much power to the Islamists, does not protect the rights of women and minorities and there was no national consensus to support it.

On Wednesday, Morsi hailed the constitution as heralding the dawn of a “new republic”, and said talks with the opposition were now a “necessity”.

Abdel Ghani said his National Salvation Front would meet soon to discuss Morsi’s offer of talks “seriously and with respect”.

However, he dismissed the current forum for talks, which

was set up by Morsi but has been boycotted by most of the opposition.

“The current dialogue is farcical and theatrical. The president is talking to himself,” he said.

Morsi’s critics remain deeply opposed to the constitution.

The assembly that drew up the charter was dominated by Islamists after most opposition members withdrew.

Abdel Ghani accused the government of trying to establish an “autocratic tyranny in the name of religion”.

Correspondent’s say the opposition’s continued rejection of the constitution means Egypt’s political crisis is far from over.

TODAY IN HISTORY

1979: Tay Bridge rail disaster remembered Passengers retrace a fatal journey on the 100th anniversary of a train plunging from the Tay Bridge into icy waters.

NEWS

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signs of the potential effect, stocks were lower Thursday on increasing doubts about an agreement, and the Consumer Confidence Index sank.

Hopes for a so-called grand bargain that would address the nation’s chronic federal deficits and debt appeared dashed for now, leaving it to the White House and legislators to work out a less ambitious agreement.

The principal dispute con-

L

Lagos explosion: Government begins demolition of affected buildings AGOS State Governban on the use of fireworks ment yesterday

mobilised equipment to pull down affected buildings at the explosion site in Oroyinyin, Lagos Island.

No fewer than 12 buildings were destroyed by the Boxing Day firecracker explosions at Jankara Market.

Three of the structures were yesterday brought down by bulldozers, belonging to the Public Works Corporation (PWC), an agency of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

The demolition, however, created fears in the minds of owners of properties within the neighbourhood.

Five buildings were completely burnt. Three were partially affected and four others were also damaged.

A government official from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the demolition of the affected buildings will continue.

The official also spoke of plans by the government to carry out integrity test on other buildings within the vicinity to ascertain their status.

On the fate of the property owners, whose buildings may be demolished, the source said the government was yet to take a decision on that.

The source said: “It is too early in the day to say whether their properties will be forfeited or if they will be compensated by the government.

“At the moment, our concern is to ensure that those buildings that are beyond repair are demolished, while integrity test will be carried on

By Precious Igbonwelundu

a host of others to ascertain their state.

“The result of the test will show if such buildings will also be demolished or reinforced. So, it is at that point that the government will most likely take a decision.

“It is really too early to talk about that now because nobody can give an answer to it.”

As of 3pm yesterday, three of the buildings on Nos 45, 43 and 41 have been demolished.

The demolition will continue today.

The Lagos Police Command spoke of its readiness to

clamp down on importers and sellers of fire crackers across the state.

The police statement came in the wake of accusations by some of the victims that the police was aware such explosives were stored in the neighbourhood.

They (police) had been accused the police of complicity as mobile policemen had always allegedly escorted the trailers that bring in the firecrackers, which according to the victims, was usually done at nights.

Spokesperson for the Command Ngozi Braide, who was at the scene of the explosion, reminded Lagosians that the

was still in force, even as she maintained that the police will vigorously enforce the law.

She said: “Using fireworks and bangers in Lagos State is still banned. Investigation will commence on the importation of such device and necessary actions taken.

“Are such explosives supposed to be warehoused in a residential area like this?

Lagosians should please alert the police whenever they see such things henceforth.

“This is because such devices can be used by criminals.

It has been abused and we need the support of residents to arrest those going against the laws of the state.”

‘We’re still weeping over destruction of property’ about 20 other adjoining

Continued from page 10

pay any compensation. I am not expecting it but if it comes, then fine. But I insured my building, anyway.”

Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture Mr. Oyinlomo Danmole, who visited the scene early yesterday, said the state government was working hard to avert future occurrence.

According to him, the government recently established a safety commission to guard against such disaster even as he noted that individuals also have roles to play in combating such incidence.

He said the safety commission will ensure that after building approvals have been secured, the integrity of the materials used would be tested.

Danmole urged residents

and traders to install fire extinguishers in their homes and shops.

He said: “Efforts are being made to repair water hydrants all over the state and in areas where it is non-existent such as this area. Efforts are being made to provide them.”

Officials of the National Emergency Response Agency (NEMA) maintained that only one person died.

The agency’s information officer, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye said about 1500 shops have been shut down since the incident occured.

Farinloye said: “Although 12 buildings were affected by the inferno, the state government has been advised to carryout integrity test on

buildings to ascertain their status.

“About 1500 shops have been shut down since the fire outbreak. “We are begging Nigerians not to be scared of NEMA because we are not here to arrest anyone.

“All we are concerned about is the humanitarian aspect and to ensure that people are safe in disaster situations.

The questions we ask are guides to help us serve the people better.

“We are not investigating because investigation into the cause of the disaster is the duty of the security agencies.”

The Chairman, Lagos Island Local Government, Mr. Wasiu Eshinlokun visited the area. He was accompanied by Some White Cap chiefs.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

RIPPLES FUEL PRICE INCREASE’LL TRIGGER VIOLENT PROTEST–NLC warns

Of course, we’re READY TO GO BACK TO FREEDOM SQUARE

VOL.7 NO.2,347

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

T

ODAY, I offer the second installment of the lecture delivered under the auspices of a group of progressive indigenes of Oyo State on December 18 at the Ibadan Civic Center. The first installment was published last week on this page. Next week, I conclude with the role of youths in recapturing the essence and consequences of thinking including cooperation to meet the challenges of responsible citizenship.

It is instructive to understand and appropriate the political wisdom that established and sustained the Oyo kingdom. Here was an ancient story of nation building that competed effectively with the best practices of the time.

Indeed a foreign scholar once argued that the norms of governance established by the Oyo kingdom were comparable to any of the classical political philosophies. Recall that Aristotle, the Master of those who know, never really privileged democracy as the best form of government because for him the demos may have ulterior motives since they had little to no property at stake.

The organisation of the Oyo kingdom did something unique with the checks and balances that it put in place vis-à-vis the power of the king and the authority of the Oyomesi.

What else do the Greeks practiced that surpassed our heritage of governance? And what has prevented us hitherto from pushing the limits of innovation in this area that we helped create?

I now go to the heart of what I consider to be the core of our culture and pace setting engagements. It is what I refer to as civic responsibility. It comes in various forms. I was only ten years old in the fourth grade when the Awolowo administration introduced the Universal Free Primary Education system in Western Region. The campaign for the system should normally engage everyone as one of the most impactful welfare schemes. All right thinking adults were integral parts of the campaign, putting themselves forward as community activists who were not officials of government.

Surely, the folks who participated in the grassroot efforts must think of the benefits to themselves and their children. But I want to believe that my old man and his friends who were deeply involved had a good sense of the possible benefits to the community. They mobilised and rallied support for the measure. In the end, the community at large benefited. Of course, as we know, the other side scared citizens by focusing on the insubstantial and unsubstantiated negatives including the alleged loss of children to farm help.

Civic responsibility is crucial to the success of any government. If citizens are not fully engaged, government work is one-sided and definitely impossible. I am sure that our governor would be the first to concede the enormity of the significance of civic engagement. It also occurs to me that this is what ThinkOyo as an organisation would like to emphasise with its focus on “ajumose.” To this important issue, I will eventually turn. First, let me think

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘‘Let us flash our minds to the messy details of corruption that trailed report of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee that probed management of subsidy funds; What about that of the Mallam Nuhu Ribadu oil Committee’

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Responsibility of citizenship: The youth in focus (2)

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi

history and its various thinking deficits.

I have made copious references to the preindependence era of our various communities.

I hope that I have not over-romanticised our past because it had its own challenges which included the shame of inter-tribal wars and enslavement of fellow community members.

Yet such negative episodes must be understood as by-products of something positive, namely the civic engagement of community members in what they understood as the good of their communities. Whether it was Balogun Ibikunle of Ibadan, Ogedengbe of Ilesha, or Kurunmi Are Ona Kakanfo, or Lisabi of Egba fame, they and their cohorts were fully committed to their

T is unclear why the Secretary to the State Government of Edo, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, needed to take on the United States over a travel advisory issued by that country’s Bureau of Consular Affairs of the State Department restricting the travels of American citizens in Nigeria. The advisory did not warn Nigerians off Edo State, nor advised other people but Americans to watch their travels in Nigeria. The advisory did not also attempt to rate the safety index of Edo, especially in comparisons with other states. All it did was to list 10 states the US felt Americans would be unsafe in, and to then add that its officials should avoid the entire 19 northern states except it became absolutely essential. The advisory predicated the travel ban on the incidence of robberies, armed gangs activities and kidnappings in those Nigerian states.

To disprove the advisory, however, Ihonvbere could not resist the impulse of embarking on giddy logic. He argues thus: “It beats the imagination of discerning minds that while some states which record violent crimes on a daily basis in the country are excluded from the list, Edo State which has been commended by all, including the World Bank which, through its Country Director, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly said: “Edo State’s social indicators are above the national average” and which had earlier been confirmed by her predecessor, Mr. Onno Ruhl, who said, “Edo State is one of the states in Nigeria where the willingness to change is the fastest in Nigeria”, is included in the offensive U.S list.” The US travel advisory

I

communities. That was our heritage. Of course, we can be Monday morning quarterbacks, to use an American idiom, and pontificate on the selfishness of those commitments. It cannot be dined, however, that these were commitments that the entire communities believed in.

Moreover, and more relevant to our theme, these were cooperative efforts on their part.

Yet, there is no denying the fact that those wars set us back at least a century. If the one hundred years war wasn’t fought, we would not be exposed to the European invasions that depleted our human resources through enslavement in the Americas. If those wars didn’t occur, who knows if we would devote our energies to innovations in education in competition with the Europeans? We could go on.

After enslavement, we were colonised. And it was supposed to be for our good. Considered unripe for civilization, we were to be brought to the level of tolerance, where and when other fortunate nations can tutor us in the art of government. Never mind that we were going to be forerunners in the art of governance if we were not distracted from the insights that defined the Oyo Kingdom experiment. But we don’t really need to sweat to debunk the ideology of the burden of the West to spread civilization. The architect of the colonial idea was too honest to be misconstrued.

Lord Lugard was clear about the Dual Mandate—to expedite the industrial revolution of Britain while helping the “uncivilised” people of Africa.

The extent to which colonialism helped Africa should not detain us. What is important is the deficit of thinking that enabled a number

MOBALAJI SANUSI

of African folks to internalise its norms, especially in the matter of the alleged superiority of the coloniser’s culture. Whereas, Europeans deliberately waged war against the culture of Africans, in other parts of their colonising efforts, they refrained from a wholesale sacking of the people’s ways of life. What is sadder, however, is that even after independence, despite the campaign promises of some of the nationalists in the forefront of the struggle against colonialism; the colonial infrastructure was kept intact resulting in what Kwame Nkrumah referred to as Neo-colonialism.

Our post-independence era was, therefore, effectively rigged for crisis and it didn’t disappoint. Primed to privilege our different precolonial nationalities above the new nation, we ended with a fratricide that still defines us till today and is not likely to go away any soon because we still lack the type of committed leadership that is capable of inspiring and mobilizing a new dialogue of hope and restoration.

What I would like us to understand, however, is that the whole era of colonialism and the post-independence episode of fratricide are distractions. Assume that nothing happened to the pace of the old Yoruba nation in general and Oyo state in particular, you may indulge your imagination about where we would be by now. Indeed, assume that the pace we set for ourselves between 1955 and 1962 were not disrupted, you could imagine where we would be now. The question then is this: why has this not been our attitude? Why have we been manipulated into thinking that we couldn’t do much outside of the mainstream infrastructure that the center was supposed to provide? Why has the imaginative thought that developed the federal system been usurped by the unsophisticated resignation to the status quo ante that the accident of military rule suggested?

And the structure that the military bequeathed to us must be regarded as a suggestion. After all the military is only one of the institutions of the nation and one that was shamed out of relevance to internal democratic governance. It cannot therefore aspire into reckoning in the national political dialogue without paying adequate attention to the longings of the people. When you ThinkOyo, you must contemplate these things. For, in thinking, as in other matters, ajise bi Oyo laa ri. Oyo kii se bi enikan.

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HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

That US travel advisory

tempered attacks against every assessment portraying the country in unflattering colours. Nigerian officials habitually react peevishly and sometimes sanctimoniously to Amnesty International (AI) reports and other international agency reports worrying about our laggard position in human development indices. Officials here also condemn any report predicting that certain serious political and social fault lines could predispose the country to disintegration if urgent measures were not taken to tackle them. In sum, Nigerian officials rarely see this negative portrayal of the country as a reason to shape up. They see it as a reason to be surly and combative.

Considering how Edo has reacted, it is not impossible a few other states could also paint their states in good light and condemn the US travel advisory as mischievous and mendacious. After all, in May, Gen Muhammad Shuwa (retd) denounced Gen T.Y. Danjuma (retd) for describing Borno State a failed state, only to be felled by assassins barely six months later in the same state he had tried to portray as not a failed state. The problem is not so much the challenges Nigeria is facing – these are by no means unusual or new – but the manner officials either live in denial or denounce those who call their attention to those challenges. Whether it is the safest or not in the South-South, Edo doubtless faces security challenges, like most other states. And while the state is not alone in facing these challenges, its officials, like those of Nigeria, must learn how to properly respond to the concerns raised by others.

said nothing about Edo’s economic potentials or adaptability, so why is Ihonvbere depending upon the statements of World Bank officials?

Furthermore, the travel advisory, as Ihonvbere himself acknowledges in his rejoinder, is essentially about travels of US citizens in Nigeria during this holiday season. It is neither a permanent travel ban nor a commentary on Edo’s economy, nor yet about whether Edo is the safest in the South-South or anywhere else. Rather than make a cynical commentary on safe and unsafe American cities in the light of the shooting incidents in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, Ihonvbere should have more appropriately and less combatively assured Americans of their safety in Edo State and indicate the steps the state was taking, in spite of the recent robberies in the Edo town of Auchi, to ensure the safety of citizens and foreigners alike. Edo State may in fact be the safest in the South-South, and may even be much safer than many northern states not mentioned in the US travel advisory, but it is hard to see how an impulsive or tonguein-cheek rebuttal would be of any help.

In spite of whatever merits are contained in Ihonvbere’s rejoinder, they will sadly be attenuated by the fact that the world has learnt to expect from Nigeria bad-

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